Mark Wahlberg and Jonathan Roumie have come together to encourage participation in a new Lent prayer initiative launching on Ash Wednesday. The actors, both devout Catholics, have partnered with the Hallow prayer app to lead the Pray40 challenge, aimed at deepening spiritual engagement during the 40 days of Lent.
They spoke with Fox News about the importance of faith, making sacrifices during Lent, and the power of daily prayer, emphasizing how this initiative seeks to guide participants through prayer, meditation, and scripture readings throughout the Lenten season.
Details of the Pray40 Challenge and Its Spiritual Focus
The Pray40 challenge, facilitated through the Hallow app, offers a structured environment for users to engage with daily prayers alongside Wahlberg, Roumie, and other partners. Participants receive meditation guidance, scripture reflections, and fasting recommendations, with contributions from notable figures such as actor Chris Pratt and readings by Roumie from Fyodor Dostoevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov.
The app is designed to support personalized prayer experiences, encourage habit formation around prayer, and provide opportunities for reflection and Bible study, catering to individuals seeking spiritual growth amid a hectic world. Its roster of celebrity endorsers also includes Gwen Stefani, Bear Grylls, and Kevin James.
Actors Share Personal Reflections on Lent and Prayer
Jonathan Roumie described Lent as
“the beginning of this return to the Lord, returning our hearts to the Lord and fasting from the things that maybe don’t help us in our lives and feasting on the things that do.”
He highlighted the challenge’s role in helping believers find calm amid chaos by making time daily to “center ourselves with God.”
“It is the beginning of this return to the Lord, returning our hearts to the Lord and fasting from the things that maybe don’t help us in our lives and feasting on the things that do,”
Jonathan Roumie
“Lead our hearts back to the Lord”
and
“to find peace in the world which is pretty chaotic right now, to take a few minutes out of our days and center ourselves with God.”
Jonathan Roumie
Mark Wahlberg also shared his commitment to deepening his faith, stating,
“My purpose now is every day I’m just trying to grow a little closer to God.”
He encouraged people to carve out time for daily prayer, especially during Lent, as a source of strength and focus.
“I’m constantly pursuing a relationship with God. Every day I feel like, if I get on my hands and my knees first thing when I wake up, that the rest of the day is going to be easier — at least I can deal with all the things that are being thrown at me,”
Mark Wahlberg
“As you get older, things come from every direction, and life can become overwhelming at times, but expressing my gratitude and making sure that I’m wearing that armor to make sure that I’m doing what God has chosen for me to do, that’s something that I take very seriously.”
Mark Wahlberg
Support and Encouragement for Those Facing Lenten Challenges
For participants who may struggle with fasting or other Lenten sacrifices, Roumie reassured them about the communal support available through the Pray40 challenge. He emphasized the role of the Hallow app as an “accountability partner” to help maintain motivation and spiritual growth over the 40-day period.
“You have all of us through this challenge,”
Jonathan Roumie
“Hallow becomes this accountability partner for the next 40 days.”
Jonathan Roumie
“You will find strength. Anytime you’re encountering the Lord and you’re asking for his help, he will help you.”
Jonathan Roumie
Impact of Faith Through Acting and Public Engagement
Reflecting on his portrayal of Jesus in The Chosen, Roumie expressed gratitude for the opportunity to share spiritual messages through his role, noting how it has personally enriched his faith and inspired him to be a better version of himself.
“It’s just a blessing and a gift for me to be able to kind of be able to transmit God’s love and His compassion towards people (and) that they can feel it by watching a show,”
Jonathan Roumie
“It has brought me closer to my faith, and it has made me want to be the best version of myself.”
Jonathan Roumie
Significance of the Pray40 Challenge During Lent
The Pray40 Lenten challenge offers a structured and supportive way for Christians worldwide to engage in meaningful prayer and reflection during the solemn season leading up to Easter. With the involvement of high-profile figures like Wahlberg and Roumie, this initiative aims to encourage consistent spiritual practice, helping participants navigate life’s challenges with renewed faith and inner peace.
As Lent unfolds, the challenge is expected to guide participants toward a deeper relationship with God, while fostering a community united in prayer and sacrifice. This program’s lasting effects may inspire ongoing spiritual disciplines even beyond the Easter celebration.
“My purpose now is every day I’m just trying to grow a little closer to God.”@MarkWahlberg & @JonathanRoumie joined us on set to mark Ash Wednesday as @HallowApp’s #Pray40 Lenten challenge begins today. ✝️ pic.twitter.com/SsKkKqrqfW
— FOX & Friends (@foxandfriends) February 18, 2026
