Christians in the UK church have written prayers for the media to mark a day of prayer, designated by the group Christians in Media.
Most Rev John Sentamu, Archbishop of York thanked God for the bravery of journalists facing danger abroad: "Lord Jesus Christ, you speak and bring all that is seen and unseen into being: we give you thanks for the gift of the media to reach the far flung places of the earth with messages of hope and life.
"We give you thanks for those who risk their security and even their lives to expose injustice and to bring news of hope. May they strive to be the bearers of good news that all people may come to know the abundant life for which we have been created; and yet more wonderfully redeemed in Jesus Christ. We offer our prayer in your name, in the power of the Holy Spirit for the glory of the Father. Amen."
Holy Trinity Brompton leader, Rev Nicky Gumbel, prayed for protection: "Lord, thank you for all those in a position to help 'point our lives in the right direction' and for your Holy Spirit who strengthens us in this endeavour. Thank you for all those working in our local and national media and we ask you to guide them to bring truth, knowledge, wisdom and insight into our personal lives and our national life. Guard them against any who would wish to use them for ill and empower them by your Spirit to stand up for what is good."
Prayers were also written by Steve Clifford from the Evangelical Alliance, Rt Revd Graham Usher, Bishop of Dudley and Rt Revd Jan McFarlane, Bishop of Repton and Acting Bishop of Derby and Chair of Sandford St Martin Trust.
The Christian in Media group recommended that people pray for "honest, reliable and accurate programming", for good leadership in newsrooms and production companies and for Christians in the work place to be influential in changing any culture of exploitation of, especially female, staff.
Christian comedian Paul Karensa wrote on twitter: "If you're a churchy type, consider those in the media today in your daily deity dialogue".
I'll be leading intercessions at @stpetersbethnal and we'll be praying for people in our area who work in media/comms/marketing/pr etc! #pray4media
— Andy Walton (@waltonandy) November 4, 2018
Journalism tutor Bill Shaw wrote: "As journalists around the world put their lives at risk to report for us, we pray for their safety. We also pray for those in the media who work long hours and anti-social hours #pray4media"
As journalists around the world put their lives at risk to report for us, we pray for their safety. We also pray for those in the media who work long hours and anti-social hours #pray4media https://t.co/KVnwxhqIBZ
— (((Bill Shaw))) (@BillShaw8) November 4, 2018
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