Mark Wahlberg and Jonathan Roumie marked Ash Wednesday by speaking about faith, repentance and spiritual discipline as the Hallow app’s “Pray40” Lenten challenge began.
Roumie described Lent as “the beginning of this return to the Lord,” a season of fasting from what harms and “feasting on the things that do,” including prayer and works of mercy. He said the 40-day challenge is designed to guide participants “back to the Lord” amid a chaotic world, helping them center their hearts through daily prayer. The app features guides including Roumie, Wahlberg, Chris Pratt, Gwen Stefani, Jeff Cavins and Sister Miriam.
Wahlberg said he feels a responsibility to share his faith story, adding, “My purpose now is every day I’m just trying to grow a little bit closer to God.” He said he wants to “hear the messages” and follow God’s direction, fulfilling the potential he believes God saw in him.
Addressing the challenge of giving something up for Lent, Wahlberg encouraged focusing not only on sacrifice but on daily growth: becoming “kinder, more thoughtful, more generous, more understanding, more patient.” He expressed hope that those habits continue beyond Easter and become a lifelong routine.
Reflecting on his own journey at age 54, Wahlberg said faith has made him more disciplined and better equipped to handle life’s difficulties. He also noted growth among young users of the prayer app, saying it is encouraging to see young men and women engaging in faith.
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