Mark Wahlberg and Jonathan Roumie have come together to invite people into a season of focused prayer during Lent, starting this Ash Wednesday. Partnering with the Catholic prayer app Hallow, the Pray40 challenge encourages daily spiritual reflection, guided prayers, and scripture readings throughout the 40 days leading up to Easter.
Both Wahlberg, known for his work as an actor and producer, and Roumie, who portrays Jesus in the television series The Chosen, shared their thoughts on faith and Lenten practices during an interview with Fox News, appearing with ashes on their foreheads as a sign of observance.
Spiritual Focus and Daily Growth in Faith
Jonathan Roumie emphasized the significance of Lent as a time to
“return our hearts to the Lord”
through fasting and prioritizing spiritual nourishment over worldly distractions. He explained that this period offers an opportunity to
“find peace in the world which is pretty chaotic right now,”
encouraging participants to take moments each day to center themselves 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,”
Roumie said.
“lead our hearts back to the Lord”
“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, Actor
Mark Wahlberg reflected on his personal spiritual journey, stating,
“My purpose now is every day I’m just trying to grow a little closer to God.”
He discussed how beginning each day on his knees in prayer helps him face life’s challenges with greater resilience and gratitude.
“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,”
Wahlberg explained.
“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, Actor and Producer
Details of the Pray40 Challenge and Its Support System
The Hallow app’s Pray40 challenge is designed to assist Christians in preparing spiritually for Easter by providing structured daily prayers, meditation exercises, and scripture discussions. Wahlberg and Chris Pratt will contribute advice on fasting, while Roumie offers readings from Fyodor Dostoevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov to deepen the reflective experience.
Hallow also offers users flexible prayer options, personalized guidance, and Bible studies to cultivate consistent prayer habits and meaningful moments of reflection. The app features endorsements from various celebrities, including Gwen Stefani, Bear Grylls, and Kevin James, broadening its appeal beyond traditional church communities.
Recognizing the difficulties some may face with fasting or maintaining Lenten disciplines, Roumie reassured participants about the collective support available throughout the 40-day journey.
“You have all of us through this challenge,”
Roumie said, highlighting the partnership with Hallow.
“Hallow becomes this accountability partner for the next 40 days.”
“You will find strength. Anytime you’re encountering the Lord and you’re asking for his help, he will help you.”
– Jonathan Roumie, Actor
Jonathan Roumie’s Reflection on Portraying Jesus and Growing in Faith
Roumie shared how playing Jesus in The Chosen, which recently released its fifth season, has been a spiritual gift that deepens his own connection with faith. He described the experience as a blessing that allows him to convey God’s love and compassion to viewers.
“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,”
“It has brought me closer to my faith, and it has made me want to be the best version of myself.”
– Jonathan Roumie, Actor
Encouraging a Stronger Spiritual Commitment During Lent
Through their involvement with Hallow’s Pray40 challenge, Mark Wahlberg and Jonathan Roumie seek to inspire individuals to deepen their Lent prayer life with intention and commitment. By engaging in daily prayer, fasting, and meditation, participants can prepare heart and mind for Easter, fostering resilience and spiritual growth amid life’s challenges.
The challenge underscores the importance of community and accountability as tools for sustaining one’s faith journey, with the expectation that those who take part will emerge with a renewed connection to God and strengthened spiritual practices.
“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
