Zondervan Author Ben Carson Gives Keynote at 2013 National Prayer Breakfast

At the annual National Prayer Breakfast held in Washington, D.C. this morning, the surprise guest speaker was no stranger to the event. Best-selling author Dr. Ben Carson delivered this year's keynote address, for a second time in his career.

What is seen to be a privileged opportunity, the National Prayer Breakfast's keynote speaker delivers a message to inspire the event's attendees and to celebrate the importance of prayer and its role in the U.S. government. Carson, a world-class brain surgeon and one of Zondervan's best-selling authors commented, "I wanted to emphasize the roles faith, values and principles have played in the success of our nation."

Carson's most recent title with Zondervan, America the Beautiful: Rediscovering What Made This Nation Great, released in February 2012. In America the Beautiful Carson addresses the reality that the U.S. must take on the tough issues that it faces today. With an audience of more than 3,000 guests from every political arena in the world Carson expressed his belief that the nation's best days are still ahead.

"E pluribus unum means 'out of many one,'" said Carson. "At this critical time in our nation's history, we must remember that 'a house divided against itself cannot stand'. If we learn from the past, we can stand tall in the future."

America the Beautiful calls citizens to use their "God-given talents to improve our lives, our communities, our nation and our world," said Carson. "And I pray that God used my opportunity to reach our entire government for His glory."

In 1997, under the administration of President Bill Clinton, Carson gave his first keynote address at the National Prayer Breakfast. "I am humbled to be given a second opportunity to speak at such an honorary event," commented Carson.

With a uniquely American story of his own-from growing up impoverished in Detroit's inner-city to becoming a Professor of Neurosurgery, Plastic Surgery, Oncology and Pediatrics-Carson advocates that every American talent matters and ignoring the poor and needy harms everyone.

"Ben Carson is an inspiration to Zondervan and our readers," said Tracy Danz, vice president and publisher of trade books. "We are thrilled he had the opportunity to speak again to prominent leaders from around the world."

The National Prayer Breakfast is an interfaith event hosted by members of the U.S. Congress. For the last 61 years, the event has aimed to set aside any political differences that may exist in the room to provide inspiration to the political, social and business leaders of today.

For more information on Dr. Ben Carson's book America the Beautiful please visit http://carsonscholars.org or www.zondervan.com.

Zondervan, part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, is a world leading Bible publisher and provider of Christian communications. For more than 80 years, Zondervan has delivered transformational Christian experiences through its bestselling Bibles, books, curriculum, academic resources and digital products. The company's products are sold in multiple formats, worldwide in more than 60 countries, translated into nearly 200 languages. Zondervan offices are located in Grand Rapids, MI. For additional information, please visit www.zondervan.com.

SOURCE Zondervan

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