pray and break bread.NYC

pray and break bread (pbb).NYC is one of City Seminary of New York's core practices. Each year we visit different neighborhoods in the five boroughs for a time of learning from ministry leaders, Scripture reading, prayer walking and eating food specific to each neighborhood. As we journey together, we come to know and love our city more, build community, and experience God’s presence in the city in ways we might not otherwise notice.

All of pbbs are family-friendly events for all ages. Bring a friend, neighbor, church or family member, or anyone who loves a good meal!

Download pbb.NYC 2024-25 postcard here (2.18 MB)

Join us for a time of communal scripture reading, prayer walks around the neighborhood, and a taste of New York City's diverse cuisine focused on this year's theme, Listen for the Peace of the City.

RSVP here or email us for more information. Click on dates below to download prayer guides.

March 14th, 2026 | 10:00am - 1:00pm
pbb.PARKCHESTER Bronx
May 16th, 2026 | 10:00am - 1:00pm
pbb.WOODROW Staten Island
July 18th, 2026 | 10:00am - 1:00pm
pbb.CLINTON HILL

"What I love about pbb is how tangible it makes my prayers for the city. It's not just a cerebral exercise where we pray for a neighborhood that I've maybe heard of from far away in a classroom - we go and walk and touch and smell and see and taste. To engage so directly while communing with God gives light and breath and life to my own limited understanding of God's movement in the city and among us. And I also learn!"

Carrie Love, MF 2011

"In the summer, on the first Sunday of every month, I took the young people in our church to walk around the neighborhood and pray. Then we would either go to the park for a picnic, to a local restaurant, or back to the church for a meal.  This happened because from the first pbb I took part in, on the first day of class at City Seminary, my eyes were opened to to stop, see and learn to pray for my neighborhood."

Miriam Acevedo, MF 2010