We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our prayer challenge for Advent this year: Pray25: It’s a Wonderful Life.
Sister Miriam James Heidland, a religious sister of the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity, will lead us in prayer throughout the challenge. She’ll be joined by Jonathan Roumie, who portrays Jesus in The Chosen, Fr. John Burns, a priest of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee and founder of Friends of the Bridegroom, an apostolate dedicated to the renewal of the Church; and actors Chris Pratt and Gary Sinise for daily prayers every day leading up to Christmas. Fr. Pierre-Toussaint, priest with the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, will also offer powerful homilies each Sunday rooted in the Mass readings.
Amid the busyness and stress of the holiday season, Hallow’s Advent prayer challenge offers the invitation to remember that the truth of Christmas isn’t the parties or the presents. Instead, the truth is that God Himself has come to dwell among us, not just in a manger 2,000 years ago, but right here, right now in 2026. As we hear in the Gospel of Matthew: “Behold the virgin shall bear a son, and they shall call him Emmanuel, which means God is with us.”
Now in its ninth year, Hallow’s Pray25 draws inspiration from one of the greatest films of all time: “It’s a Wonderful Life”.
It is a film that for decades has opened its viewers to the beauty of everyday life. Hallow’s Pray25 will take it even further, featuring powerful clips from “It’s a Wonderful Life” and bringing together millions all over the world to wake up to the wonder of life before them.
“I always love the Advent challenge on Hallow. Every year I think it can’t get any better and then it does. Going through the classic film ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ brought back fond memories of holidays spent with my family. It really has so much to teach us about waking up to the truly wonderful parts of our lives that so often go unnoticed and forgotten. And that’s exactly what the Pray25 challenge is about this year. It’s going to be amazing to experience as always with Sister Miriam, Chris Pratt, Fr. John Burns, Fr. PT and this year with my friend Gary Sinise. I can’t wait for everyone to pray through this one,” said Jonathan Roumie.
As part of the challenge, Karolyn Grimes, the actress who portrayed Zuzu in the movie, will also share her story of faith and wonder.
The Pray25 guides will walk through the film’s most beloved scenes and reflect on the life of the film’s main character, George Bailey, as part of the weekly challenge offering. Together as a prayer community, participants will discover what the film’s director, Frank Capra, found to be at the essence of the film: “There is a radiance and glory in the darkness, could we but see, and to see we have only to look. I beseech you to look” (Friar Fra Giovanni).
“This is by far the most beautiful thing the team has ever created,” said Alex Jones, Hallow CEO and Co-Founder. “What an honor it is to get to walk through such an iconic movie. Chris and Jonathan and Gary and Fr. John and Sister Miriam and Fr. PT all do such phenomenal jobs bringing its beauty to life for each of us in a new way. I can’t wait for folks to pray with it. Praise God.”
Hallow will also feature a new exclusive song from Christian singer-songwriters Matt Maher and Seph Schlueter, plus music from artist Sarah Kroger and Michael Iskander from “House of David,” along with many other artists.
There is also a special Kids Challenge for Advent, “The Incredible Advent-ture,” featuring actor David Henrie and more. Perfect for the whole family, the kids challenge follows Josie awaiting the arrival of her adopted baby brother, and her best friend Sean preparing for the townwide sled-riding competition. It offers a beautiful invitation to discover what it means to wait in joyful hope of Christmas.
Join Pray25 and pray with Hallow this Advent!
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