Prayer Breakfast Reflections
Christians in Media held a Prayer Breakfast Meeting on Thursday 12 October, bringing together professionals from across the media industry for a time of prayer and fellowship.
Tobi Rachel, Trustee & Publishing Manager, Buzzfeed UK, hosted the meeting, leading us in prayer and introducing the three speakers who each gave a brief input before praying. With the news of the conflict in Israel and Palestine having broken over the weekend, we also spent time throughout the meeting praying for those suffering and for peace, as well as for those who are reporting on the tragic situation.
Julia Bicknell, Mentoring Programme Mentor, Journalist, Editor & Speaker, spoke of the importance of truth and veracity in journalism. She looked back on her own journey of faith too, reflecting on the Gospel of Luke. Pointing to the opening verses of Luke, Julia ventured that Luke was not dissimilar from a journalist; seeking to record stories and accounts with credibility and trust.
“With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.”
Warren Nettleford, Broadcaster ITN & Founder of Right Thing Films, continued to reflect on the theme of storytelling, raising the question of how people might know we are Christians from the way we tell stories – a question he has often been asked himself. He encouraged us to seek to understand those whose stories we are telling, and to strive to tell their stories well.
Tim Levell, Mentoring Programme Mentor & Programme Director, Times Radio, reflected on relationships with those in the workplace – which can often come under stress in the heightened environment of a busy newsroom – and encouraged us to pray for those we work with. Tim also encouraged us to reflect on the media we consume ourselves, to examine our ‘news diets’. He reminded us of Philippians 4:8: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
The Prayer Breakfast was held ahead of the National Day of Prayer for the Media on Sunday 29 October, when Churches across the country will give time to praying for the media landscape and those working behind it.
Bringing the meeting to its close, Steve Cox, Chair of Trustees, Christians in Media, reminded us of the importance of this National Day of Prayer for the Media. Steve encouraged us to seek out and pray intentionally for those individuals in our own local Churches who work in the media. Steve reflected that praying for ‘the media’ may seem abstract and general, but asking those in our communities how we can pray for them as they are witnesses to their Christian faith in their workplaces can be a supportive way of doing this.
Following the time of prayer and input, we enjoyed some refreshments together, and a great view over London (albeit typically grey and rainy) from the News UK building.
As a mentee on the Christians in Media Mentoring Programme for 2023-24, I found it really encouraging to meet many who have been involved with the mission of Christians in Mediaover the years. It was also great to catch up with some of those who had spoken at the launch weekend of our mentoring programme in September.
As we emerged back into the drizzle as a rush of people were heading into work for the day, I felt grateful for this time of prayer and fellowship – and a sense that, perhaps more than ever, we need to keep praying for and encouraging those working in media.
Get involved on Sunday 29 October. Find out how you, your church or prayer group can #pray4media, including a downloadable resource here. Watch encouraging videos from faith and media leaders on our channel.
Blog Author
Anna Whitehead
Anna is a Modern Languages Graduate from the University of Cambridge and NCTJ-accredited journalist.
During her degree she contributed to a range of student publications. She also spent a year studying in Austria and was involved in the University Catholic Chaplaincy. While completing her NCTJ recently, she spent time on placement with Radio Maria England, where she has hosted shows and assisted the editorial team.
Anna’s a Christians in Media mentee who’s currently interested in journalism, multi-media and radio opportunities.
