Prayer for marriages of those in the media ~ November

The concentration of media ownership in Australia is one of the highest in the world and its power and influence can be used for either good or evil. The media must be held accountable for the part they play in the decline of values observed in society today. Many in the media remain aloof to the issue, claiming to reflect rather than to influence society.

• Please pray for truth and integrity of their work and creativity in every branch of media.
• Please pray against the use of obscene advertising to attract. Please pray that the ABC and other media outlets would give unbiased coverage in all areas.
• Pray that the government, within the constrains of the freedom of speech and the freedom of the press maintain a closer scrutiny of media violence, being aware of the potential effect of this on society and that the public would be more vigilant in objecting to content that contributes to the erosion of moral and ethical values in the world community.

The entertainment industry often models vices such as materialism, promiscuity, substance abuse, and violence. Instead of encouraging, motivating, and inspiring its audiences to adopt lifestyles based on the sanctity of life, the industry often advocates the opposite, painting a cynical picture of violence, abuse, greed, profanity, and a constant denigration of the family. Interactive entertainment (computer games & virtual worlds) allows users to become part of that world and has the potential to effect the way in which consumers relate to the real world.

Please pray:

• that God would convict the consciences of any who create, distribute, and profit from media & entertainment that is ungodly; that they might see the damage they are doing to individuals and families, turn from their shameful ways and commit to accuracy and integrity. Proverbs 28:6.
• that ungodly entertainment and advertising would not benefit those who produce it or be attractive to consumers, but only that which creates community, values cultures, and respects human dignity, authority, property of others - the destruction of property and human beings is not a joke.
• that God would continue to supply the needs of those in the entertainment industry who refuse to participate in the production of entertainment which is against the will of God and strengthen and protect their families.
• Intercede on behalf of the actors, musicians and athletes our young people seek to emulate. Pray that more of Hollywood’s celebrities will be worthy of respect and admiration.
• Ask the Lord to strengthen and embolden any Christians on the athletics team or coaching staff, and continue to provide for them. Nothing is too difficult for God ­ and the Lord is able to use the media to accomplish His purposes.
• for the spouses and families of those whose loved ones are foreign correspondents who often face dangers in covering war and terror, including kidnap, tropical diseases and even death. Pray for the safety of these journalists and camera crews, and that they would be committed to accuracy and integrity; telling both sides of the story. Please pray for their protection from traumatic stress. John 14:27. Thank God for them.
• for the spouses and families of reporters who report on crime & corruption. Both they and their loved one may be threatened, bullied, receive hate mail and encounter danger with this work. Pray for the safety of these journalists and camera crew and that they would be bold to confront evil and injustice with truth, understanding and compassion for human weakness. Give thanks for them.

Please pray for all married couples, especially those who create entertainment in any form:

• That they would be accepting of each other's short comings, work through their differences and be quick to forgive and not be too proud to accept a sincere apology. Matt 6:14.
  Forgiving a spouse doesn't mean denying the hurt. It's simply acknowledging that we're all human and we all make mistakes. It also doesn't minimise what happened. You're not saying to your spouse, "What you did isn't important."
• That all married couples would realize that they are each responsible for the quality of their relationship. Pray they would find ways to put their spouse and any dependent children first. Pray that they would monitor the family's viewing habits of television, film and video games. Pray gainst the implicit message that conflicts can be resolved and just peace can be established by violence. Pray that raw violence would not be accepted as entertainment. Pray that sexual standards of entertainment would be raised, so that all humans are treated with honour, thus helping to protect family values and society.
• That they would not criticise each other, but honour and affirm. That family homes would be welcoming sanctuaries of peace and love. 1 Peter 2:17.