Mark Wahlberg and Jonathan Roumie Share the Importance of Prayer on The View

Guest Commentary

Audio By Carbonatix

By Amber Ginter, Crosswalk.com

Wednesday, February 18th, 2026, marked the beginning of Lent. Lent, a period of repentance, dedication, self-denial, and simple living, encourages individuals to take the time leading up to Easter to focus on what really matters—that is, their relationship with Jesus Christ.

In a recent interview on The View (ABC), Mark Wahlberg and Jonathan Roumie shared about the importance of prayer in their lives. In light of the new and upcoming season of The Chosen, and the Hallow app Pray40 challenge, Wahlbery and Roumie emphasized this opportunity for all people curious about Lent and the Gospel to return to God and find peace and centeredness. In a world full of violence and chaos, all people, not just Christians, can return to God to “find our God and calm in the midst of this,” said Roumie, who plays Jesus in The Chosen. And how does one practically do this? Through “prayer,” added Wahlberg.

If you don’t pray, Roumie noted that “now is a good time to start.” And if you won't pray, then “have someone pray for you,” added Wahlberg. Emphasizing apps like Hallow, to help individuals participate in this Lenten season, Wahlberg attributed that the best part of this movement is that young men are gravitating towards the app. “Having something positive in your life that allows you to be more kind, thoughtful, accepting, and generous is very important.”

To find more information on the Hallow Pray40 challenge, visit https://hallow.com/pray40/ or watch The Chosen for free at https://watch.thechosen.tv/.

This Lent, Wahlberg and Roumie encourage everyone to join millions in daily prayer sessions, life-changing meditations on Scripture, and authentic conversations using Hallow’s Lent Community Prayer Challenge for 2026.

Even if you don’t yet know Jesus or what this season is all about, The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky, on which this study is based, leaves us with lasting and encouraging words: “Do not be afraid of him. Awful is his greatness before us, terrible is his loftiness, yet he is boundlessly merciful, he became like us out of love, and he is rejoicing with us, transforming water into wine, that the joy of the guests may not end.”

20 Prayers to Say Throughout the Lenten Season

Amber Ginter is a teacher-turned-author who loves Jesus, her husband Ben, and granola. Growing up Amber looked for faith and mental health resources and found none. Today, she offers hope for young Christians struggling with mental illness that goes beyond simply reading your Bible and praying more. Because you can love Jesus and still suffer from anxiety. You can download her top faith and mental health resources for free to help navigate books, podcasts, videos, and influencers from a faith lens perspective. Visit her website at amberginter.com.