Story highlights "And we're very hopeful he'll accept that invitation," Coons said

Obama spoke at the event in February 2016

Washington (CNN) Democratic Sen. Chris Coons, alongside Republican Sen. John Boozman, met with President-elect Donald Trump Wednesday and invited him to the annual National Prayer Breakfast in Washington.

"He expressed very strong interest. He'll get back to us on a specific commitment but it seemed nearly certain that he would come," Coons told CNN's Alisyn Camerota on "New Day."

The National Prayer Breakfast is an annual event in Washington, held on the first Thursday of February each year. This year it's scheduled to be on February 2, 2017.

Lawmakers and religious leaders from about 70 countries gather at the annual Washington event to pray for international leaders and the direction of the country.

President Barack Obama spoke at the national prayer event in 2016 highlighting the importance of needing to overcome fear through faith. In 2013, neurosurgeon turned politician Ben Carson rose to prominence after giving an impassioned speech at the breakfast.

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