LAKELAND Brad Bryant delivered a message that was at times spiritual, emotional and humorous at the 12th annual Lakeland Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast Thursday
at The Lakeland Center. The Champions Tour golfer from Lakeland, the son of a Baptist preacher, is comfortable speaking about his faith in front of congregations. Bryant, 54, highlighted several examples of how prayer has been instrumental in his life, from his youth growing up near the deserts of New Mexico to getting married and starting a family. “I’ve seen how we pray and things happen that wouldn’t have happened otherwise,” Bryant told the crowd of about 650 after being introduced by Lakeland Mayor Buddy Fletcher. Thursday was the National Day of Prayer, established by Congress in 1952 as a day for believers of all faiths to pray for the nation. Lauren Dungy of Tampa, the wife of former NFL coach Tony Dungy, offered a prayer for America and its leaders, from President Barack Obama to Florida Gov. Charlie Crist. The Harrison Chamber Singers performed four songs and the national anthem. The Champions Tour is idle this week, but Bryant will play next week at the Regions Charity Classic in Birmingham, Ala., where he won in 2006 and 2007.
Bryant, who speaks to groups around the country, said he had prepared a different message before electing to change it at the event. But change is good, he said.