On May 7th, the historic First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood buzzed with excitement, as over 300 members of the Hollywood Prayer Network (HPN) community converged for the highly-anticipated 2026 National Day of Prayer (NDOP) celebration. All across the campus, various venues hosted carefully curated stations for fellowship, prayer, worship, and powerful encounters with God.

The focus on prayer, creativity, and inspiration encapsulated the heart of HPN's ministry, as industry professionals from all across the city came together to pray in the heart of the world's most influential mission field. As part of HPN's year-long 25th anniversary celebration, the night delivered on every level - spiritually, relationally, and creatively. 

The night kicked off with a fiesta of fellowship in the rose garden, where HPN's block party served up a delectable SoCal feast that included fresh tacos, customizable churro creations, and a delightful assortment of donuts to round out the nosh. A live DJ spun a toe-tapping soundtrack that set the mood, as friends new and old forged connections over free food.

The festive feast culminated in the ceremonial presentation of a birthday cake to commemorate 25 years of HPN's vibrant ministry. This time of social and physical nourishment brought an electric energy to campus, and helped prepare everyone for the spiritual journey ahead. 

The main event drew the crowd in from the courtyard for an incomparable time of worship, as ten powerhouse musicians and vocalists from ten different churches came together to create a joyful offering of praise to the Lord. This soul-stirring time helped everyone shift focus from conversations and community to our Creator.

Founding Director Karen Covell and Pastor JT Tarter took the stage to open the program, pray, and invite everyone into the evening of prayer and reflection. Program Director Kelry Kirschenmann gently guided the group to seek the Lord, as everyone dispersed to visit the creative prayer stations, spend time with God, and linger where they felt drawn.

In the Crossley Theatre, the living word of the bible was given fresh life by talented performers, who filled the atmosphere with declarations of truth from Scripture.

There was space to listen, receive, and allow the word to resonate, before taking the time to journal about where the Holy Spirit was moving and speaking to each person's heart.

It was a time of refreshing that invited participants deeper into the Lord's peace and instruction for their lives. 

In the back room of the Mears Center, with the strains of worship spilling in, participants were invited into a time of reflection at the foot of the cross.

Inspired by the gospel story of the woman breaking an alabaster jar to anoint Jesus' feet with precious oil, this station provided an intentional, intimate space to pray about what precious thing to release into the Lord's hands.

Hearts were deeply stirred, as beautiful words of release were written on shards of pottery and left at the foot of the cross in a humble act of surrender. 

Over in Wiley Chapel, a quiet atmosphere invited attendees to engage with artwork, as they contemplated pieces carefully chosen to draw viewers into a time of closeness with God.

From the washing of feet to walking on water, each image highlighted a different moment or motif from scripture.

Viewers responded as the Spirit led them, in a time of journaling and sketching that allowed them to record how the Lord was speaking to them in this sanctified space.

Back in the Mears Center, the band continued to saturate the atmosphere with praise during an extended time of worship.

Trusted leaders took the stage between worship songs to lift up prayers for the entertainment industry, Los Angeles, and our church community at large. In the prayer room at the back of the Mears Center, attendees were able to receive personal, one-on-one prayer from our powerful prayer team.

In this free-flowing space, participants were able to sing, journal, dance, sit in silence, and receive prayer as they were led, allowing each person to be ministered to as they had need.

As the evening wound down, the community gathered for a final moment of worship and prayer.

Overall, it was a beautiful night that brought together the best of HPN - from food and fellowship, to worship and praise, to personal encounters with God.

This year's NDOP was an undeniable triumph, as the celebration lifted spirits, stirred hearts, and - most importantly - released an outpouring of prayer into the heart of Hollywood.

In May, Adorned Fashion Fellowship gathered again, further strengthening the bonds of community among those working in the fashion industry. The evening was marked by a continued spirit of encouragement, as attendees connected over shared experiences and supported one another in both personal and professional challenges.

Grounded in prayer and a shared vision, the group continued to grow as a Spirit-led space where faith, creativity, and purpose come together. With each month, Adorned is becoming a vital source of connection and encouragement for those seeking to bring light and truth into the world of fashion.

It was a morning of encouragement and unity in Hollywood.

In a warm and elegant ballroom at the Kimpton Everly Hotel, the Hollywood Prayer Network (HPN) hosted its first Hollywood Prayer Breakfast, kicking off the 2026 National Day of Prayer with style, substance, and a powerful flow of the Holy Spirit. The gathering brought together 90 pastors, entertainment professionals, and ministry leaders from across the city with a singular purpose: to unite Los Angeles churches and the entertainment industry in prayer.

From the moment guests arrived, there was a spirit of joy and expectation in the room. Conversations flowed easily as church leaders connected with one another, and mingled with faithful industry professionals and powerful prayer intercessors.

HPN Founding Director Karen Covell opened the morning by welcoming attendees and sharing why gatherings like this matter so deeply. "Our heart today," she shared, "is to see each of you building bridges from your church to the entertainment industry through prayer, community, and relationship."

The heart of the morning came during keynote speaker DeVon Franklin’s powerful message, “The Hollywood Walk of Faith: Why Church Community Is Vital.”

DeVon shared vulnerably about the struggle of knowing that God had called him to Hollywood, but having his church community actively discourage him from from pursuing a career in entertainment because of the belief that there are "no Christians in Hollywood" --and that if he went to L.A., he would lose his faith entirely.

His story resonated deeply with the creatives in the audience who have faced similar discouragement from their families, pastors, and faith communities. DeVon reflected on how harmful this mindset against Hollywood has been for creatives, and shared personal stories of times when he was able to pray and share the gospel with industry colleagues--often at surprising times and in surprising places.

His words challenged and convicted many pastors in attendance. Rather than warning creatives away from Hollywood, DeVon urged churches to pray for them, disciple them, and stand beside them as missionaries within culture-shaping spaces.

Throughout the morning, attendees were reminded that ministry in Hollywood is deeply personal, and woven into the fabric of a career in entertainment as a Christian.

Actress Edwina Findley shared similar stories of praying with people on set, learning how to navigate the industry from other Christians she'd met during her career, and following the prompting of the Holy Spirit to minister to those who may never otherwise experience prayer or encouragement. Edwina then led the room in a powerful prayer of intercession for the entertainment industry, creatives, L.A. churches, and the city as a whole. 

It was a morning of encouragement, challenge, and poignant reminders that God is actively moving and working throughout Los Angeles, both in the life of the church and the entertainment industry.

This gathering wasn't just a breakfast. It was a time of unity in the body of Christ, and a powerful picture of what can happen when the church chooses not to retreat, but to embrace the very heart of HPN's mission: to pray for the people working in the world's most influential mission field.

In May, KWA Screenwriters met again for an afternoon focused on connection, conversation, and prayer. The gathering provided a welcoming environment for those working in screenwriting to come together, build community, and find encouragement alongside others on a similar path. Grounded in faith, the time served as a reminder that no one is navigating the journey alone. 

In May, StageLight hosted another impactful gathering, bringing together a growing community of Christian actors committed to both their craft and their faith. The evening was marked by a strong sense of unity and openness, as attendees engaged in conversation, shared experiences, and encouraged one another in their journeys.

Following a time of fellowship and connection, the group moved into guided discussion and small group prayer, creating space for honest dialogue and spiritual support. The night closed with a time of corporate prayer, reinforcing the group’s shared vision to see God move in and through actors across the entertainment industry. Participants left feeling uplifted, inspired, and more deeply connected to both community and calling.

In May, the Hollywood Prayer Network returned to the Warner Bros. studio lot for another Studio Prayer Walk, continuing a faithful practice of on-site prayer and spiritual investment in the entertainment industry. Participants gathered in small groups to walk the lot, interceding for the people, projects, and creative direction emerging from this influential studio.

This time of prayer created space for unity, reflection, and intentional blessing, reinforcing HPN’s vision to impact Hollywood from the inside out through consistent, on-the-ground intercession.

In April, the Prologue writers group gathered for a time of fellowship and encouragement. Writers from a variety of disciplines came together to share about their current projects, connect over the unique challenges of the writing life, and support one another in community. The gathering created space for honest conversation, prayer, and mutual encouragement, reflecting a shared desire to honor God through the written word.

You can find more information on all of HPN's Community Groups here!

In April, the KWA Screenwriters group gathered in The Library at First Presbyterian Church Hollywood for an afternoon of community, fellowship, and prayer. Screenwriters came together to connect, share conversation, and support one another as they navigate writing for film and television. The time offered a steady space for encouragement and reflection in the midst of the industry. 

In April, Upside Down Comedy gathered each Tuesday for a dynamic mix of creativity, growth, and community. 

The month kicked off with a practical and engaging session on social media led by The Ratchet Christian, followed by an improv-focused night with Marcus Evans that brought energy, spontaneity, and plenty of laughs. 

Mid-month, the group slowed things down with a casual hangout, drawing inspiration from Charlie Chaplin and other comedy greats, before closing out April with an open mic hosted by Robert G. Lee—giving comedians the chance to step up, share their material, and encourage one another. 

The true highlight of the month was having The Ratchet Christian come speak about social media. It was a genuinely impactful evening, and we’ve already seen members of our group taking her encouragement to heart. She shared not only practical insight about social media, but also about faith, authenticity, and having the courage to openly share what you believe.

In May, the community met for an evening centered on connection, support, and shared faith. Guests enjoyed a relaxed social time with food and drinks before engaging in thoughtful conversation about their current experiences in the industry. The gathering wrapped up with a time of prayer, fostering encouragement and a sense of togetherness.

Do you ever leave a movie, show, or social media asking, "If this was supposed to relax me, then why do I feel more exhausted?"

There are more videos now than ever, and some make you feel terrible. On the other hand, some are incredibly energizing.

So how can we know the difference?

In this blog, I'm sharing how I cut through the noise in my watchlist to prioritize stories that matter. That's why this post is called...

Over the last year, my wife Sarah and I have been making changes to become more intentional about the foods we eat because we want to live long and healthy lives. I've been applying that same mindset to the stories I consume. Once I realized most of what I was watching didn't feel satisfying, I wanted to find out why.

What I discovered is, nearly every video out there, from feature film to social media short, falls into one of three categories:

1. Neutral:

This type of video typically has no discernible story.

A neutral video can either cause a good result (like footage of camping where you enjoy God's creation secondhand, or a short that gives you a belly laugh)... or a bad one (you feel heavy or like you've wasted your time).

In general, using media to relax doesn't strike me as negative, but even if a video appears neutral, it's worth asking: did it make me feel better, or was it ultimately unsatisfying?

That brings us to the second type:

2. Bad stories:

In this category, evil is promoted, either in how the story ends or in the words and images glorified along the way.

Since people may have varying sensitivities and levels of faith, we should each seek specific guidance from the Holy Spirit about what we're watching.

As the Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 10:23, "All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful."

While we should be aware of those two categories, it's nice to remember that not all stories are bad. There's also a beautiful target we get to aim for. I call these...

3. Noble stories:

That phrase might bring up images of medieval days and knights, but a noble story is so much more: it can be any genre: western, fantasy, sports, comedy, drama, a 7-second short--anything.

If it gives you a feeling there's good in the world, or you're inspired to improve, you probably just watched a noble story.

The same is true if you leave a theater with your head held high, your chest full of breath, and a spring in your step. You may not even know why you feel better, but you do.

That’s what happens when I watch:

• Lord of the Rings
• Rudy
• It’s a Wonderful Life
• Angels in the Outfield
• Sergeant York
• Chariots of Fire
• And many others

And by the way, a noble story doesn't mean nothing bad happens: there are plenty of films that rip your heart out at first...but then resolve wonderfully by the end (Up comes to mind).

So even though a noble story may journey through difficult times, we can expect an exhale by the end because Good wins and we become inspired to face the dragons in our own lives.

The ideas we consume today often shape what we think, believe, and do tomorrow.
So how do you know what perspective is being promoted in a story? The best way is to find the theme, the central idea the writer wants you to take from their narrative.

Let's consider It's A Wonderful Life as an example. You could say the theme of it is, "A life freely spent in loving the people around you, even at the cost of your own precious dreams, is never wasted."

Despite the heavy things Jimmy Stewart's protagonist endures, every difficult moment serves that core, redemptive idea.

That’s the difference between a noble story and a negative one: a narrative could have light moments but still promote evil, or it could have hard moments but overall be uplifting.

Another good test is to see if the story's villains represent Biblical vices (Mr. Potter's greed), and if the heroes strive for praiseworthy, scriptural values (George Bailey's sacrifice).

While it's not always possible to uncover the theme before watching (I'm very spoiler-adverse), a quick Google often clarifies a writer's worldview, which informs whether or not you'll want to spend time with their stories.

1. Mercilessly remove things that don’t feed you

If content is empty or corrosive, why would we give it our attention?

2. Setting a limit

I find capping the films I watch at 6 per month is a good number for me. I think of it as one per week, plus two bonus ones for whenever.

That scarcity does a few things:

• Makes movies feel like an event again
• Heals my attention span to focus on bigger ideas
• Forces me to prioritize stories I actually care about watching

This isn't just for movies.

When I find myself falling into the online video rabbit hole, I remind myself that my new personal culture is someone who doesn't scroll on social media. Then I close the app and go back to living life.

And maybe that's the key.

Maybe the way to make stories relaxing again is to shift from passive consumption to intentionally choosing which shows, films, and socials we give our attention to--and how often.

Returning to the food metaphor, is it possible our dissatisfaction with stories is because we're being fed a constant, low-nutrition supply?

I know for myself, when it comes to quality over quantity, I'd happily trade bottomless potato chips for one good steak a week.

What's a movie that always makes you feel better, that you would consider to be a noble story?

In April, Adorned Fashion Fellowship continued its monthly rhythm, offering a consistent and meaningful space for Christian fashion professionals to gather. The group spent time building relationships, engaging in honest conversation, and lifting one another up in prayer.

As the community deepened, so did the sense of shared mission—to reflect the heart of God within an industry that shapes culture in powerful ways. Each gathering served as a reminder that they are not alone in their journey, but part of a growing community committed to transformation through faith.

April’s gathering brought together creatives and professionals from across the entertainment industry for a night of community and conversation. The evening began with a casual social hour, followed by an open discussion focused on navigating the industry with faith and integrity. A time of prayer closed out the night, offering encouragement and unity among the group. 

In April, HPN hosted another Studio Prayer Walk on the Warner Bros. lot, bringing together believers for a focused time of intercession within one of Hollywood’s most iconic creative environments. Guided by industry professionals, participants walked in small groups, lifting up the individuals, productions, and influence connected to the studio.

The gathering offered an intimate and purposeful space to pray for the industry at its source, continuing a rhythm that has been part of HPN’s mission for over a decade. Each step taken across the lot reflected a shared commitment to inviting God’s presence into the work happening there.

March’s Prologue Writers Fellowship was a sweet and steady time of fellowship for writers across genres. The group gathered to connect, share life, and be refreshed in a supportive, faith-centered environment. It continues to be a place where writers can come as they are, build relationships, and receive prayer as they move forward in their creative journeys.

You can find more information on all of HPN's Community Groups here!

In March, we continued leaning into the theme of the Father’s love, and it was clear the Lord still had more to say. We spent time in 1 Peter 2:5, talking about what it means to be living stones being built into a spiritual house, and it led to a powerful and wide-ranging discussion.

We also spent time in the story of the prodigal son, reflecting on where each of us might find ourselves—on the way home, in the house, or outside striving. It opened up a deep and honest conversation, and there was a real sense of the Lord ministering to each person in a personal way.

March’s KWA gathering was another encouraging afternoon centered on community and prayer. Writers came together to connect, share life, and lift one another up, creating a space that felt both grounding and uplifting. It continues to be a place where relationships are built, faith is strengthened, and writers are reminded of God’s presence in every part of their journey.

Our March gathering was a sweet and creative night together, with 8 people in attendance. In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, we spent time singing the Irish hymn Be Thou My Vision, which set a meaningful tone for the evening.

We also played a really fun and creative game called 100 Blank Cards, where everyone made up and drew their own cards before playing—it ended up being a huge hit and brought a lot of laughter and connection.

We shared fellowship over dinner together and closed out the night with one-on-one prayer, taking time to lift up individual requests.

It was a simple but rich evening, full of creativity, connection, and meaningful prayer.

HomeBase went great this past gathering—we had 26 people join us, which was really encouraging.

We tried something a little different this time by doing men’s and women’s prayer groups instead of our usual co-ed groups, and it went really well. People seemed to really like it, and it created a meaningful space for connection and prayer. We’re considering alternating between co-ed and separate groups every few months.

As always, we spent the first part of the evening eating and hanging out, which continues to be a really sweet and casual time together, before moving into prayer. It was a full and meaningful night, and we’re grateful for how God continues to meet us in this space.

In March, industry professionals gathered for an evening of connection and encouragement in a welcoming, faith-centered space. Attendees spent time building relationships over small bites and drinks before transitioning into a relaxed group discussion, where they shared insights, experiences, and support. The night concluded with a meaningful time of prayer for one another and the entertainment industry. 

In March, Adorned Fashion Fellowship welcomed returning and new members for another Spirit-led gathering centered on community and encouragement. Professionals representing a wide range of roles within the fashion industry came together to connect, share, and pray for one another.

The evening fostered a sense of trust and openness, as attendees navigated the unique challenges of the industry together. Through conversation and prayer, the group continued to cultivate a space where faith and creativity intersect, strengthening one another to walk out their callings with integrity and grace.

In March, StageLight gathered once again for an evening of connection, encouragement, and shared purpose among Christian actors. The night included time for fellowship over light snacks, as attendees reconnected and welcomed new faces into the community.

The gathering created space for meaningful conversation and reflection, as actors discussed the realities of pursuing their craft while remaining grounded in their faith. Small group discussions and prayer allowed for deeper connection and mutual encouragement. The evening concluded with a time of collective prayer, leaving many feeling strengthened, supported, and reminded of their calling to impact the industry with truth and excellence.

In March, Hollywood Prayer Network continued its long-standing tradition of Studio Prayer Walks with a gathering on the Warner Bros. studio lot. Participants joined in small groups to walk the grounds, praying over the people, projects, and creative work taking place within this influential space.

Led by Christians working in the industry, the walk provided a meaningful opportunity to bless the studio from within—covering the land in prayer and interceding for the stories being shaped there. It was a powerful reminder of the impact of consistent, intentional prayer in the heart of Hollywood.

In February, we had two really meaningful gatherings. Early in the month, we talked about what it looks like to “hit a wall”—something that can feel especially real after starting the year with high hopes that don’t always go as planned. We spent time in Romans 5:3–5 and had an incredible conversation around how suffering produces hope. One of the questions that stood out most was, “What’s the harvest that awaits you on the other side of your perseverance?”—and it opened the door for some really honest and encouraging shares.

Later in the month, the focus shifted to the Father’s heart. It was a deeply meaningful night as we spent time in Ephesians 1:3–5, talking about sonship and how vital that is, especially in Hollywood. There was a strong sense of the Lord’s presence as stories were shared and walls came down. The idea of Hollywood as a “terrible stepfather” really resonated, and it became one of those gatherings where you could feel how much the Lord was encouraging each person in His love. It was a powerful time together and one that left everyone feeling strengthened and seen.