[ACNS, by Rachel Farmer] Christians are being urged to make this Sunday (3 November) a day of prayer for the Media.

Christians in Media has developed a resource guide for churches to help inspire prayer for all members of the media and is encouraging everyone to make it a special focus on Sunday 3 November.

An animated video on the organisation’s website states: “In an era of fake news, distrust and cynicism, it’s never been more important for us to pray for the media industry, as well as those who work in and with it.”

The Day of Prayer resource guide was produced by a former communications director for the Church of England, the Revd Peter Crumpler. He said: “The media carry out a vital role in society but often get caught between opposing political parties and interest groups. Those with power don’t like being held to account, and the pressure on journalists is increasing year on year.

“As Christians, we believe that working in the media is an honourable profession, and we want to pray for and support all people of goodwill working in all parts of the media. We especially want to support Christians who see their vocation as working in media in the UK and around the world.”

The day of prayer has become an annual event when churches, families and individuals are invited to set aside time to pray and come alongside the media community and the industry itself.

The resources guide includes information on why to pray and what to pray for, along with prayers written by a range of people including the Archbishop of York, John Sentamu and the Alpha course creator, Nicky Gumbel.

The Day of Prayer video encourages Christians to recognise that members of the media are ordinary people in need of our prayer support. It states: “In this time of uncertainty the world needs a functioning free and fair media more than ever.”

For further information see: https://www.christiansinmedia.co.uk/#prayer-section