While watching the 80th Annual Academy Awards presentation, I was once again reminded of the importance of praying for Hollywood.The Oscars are the “Super Bowl” of the motion picture industry. To even be nominated, let alone win, an Academy Award is considered by many to be the ultimate accomplishment in the industry. Though not necessarily equated to commercial success (i.e., box office dollars), the critical acclaim a movie receives upon winning an Oscar can place a director, producer, actor, writer, or composer into an elite company of individuals who can wield significant influence both within the film industry and upon our culture.
We can pray for these cultural influencers in a number of different ways: that they would hear and recognize the still yet powerful voice of God amidst the cacophony of voices that will surround their worldly success, that God would place Christians around them who would be positive examples and effective representatives of God’s kingdom, that their current success and future creative endeavors will be used to bring God glory, and that they would ultimately acknowledge Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior!
And while we’re at it, let’s not forget to pray for and support the Christians who are already there on the front lines of the Hollywood mission field. As they face the daily struggles, temptations, and challenges of working in what can be a hostile environment for believers, let’s be lifting them up to the throne of God’s grace for strength, endurance, courage, and peace as well.
Remember, we’re not in this just for the entertainment value that Hollywood delivers. Let’s keep our eye on the ball and remember that behind every great movie are real people who need Christ, too. The only difference is that the work produced by these people ultimately has an influence on millions of others worldwide. That makes Hollywood a strategic spiritual battleground for the hearts and souls of mankind. Do you want to be a part of changing the world for Christ? Then pray for Hollywood!
