Reaching the public by praying for Hollywood

LOS ANGELES — Anyone who thinks Britney Spears’ best days are behind her should know this — she does have a prayer.

Spears is the top prayer-getter at the Hollywood Prayer Network, a group of more than 5,000 Christians that prays for stars instead of writing them off.

The network recently passed a Bible to Paris Hilton and plans to pass one to Spears later this month. It also picks child stars for its monthly Kids Prayer Calendar and pairs hundreds of mentors with struggling actors — the kind more likely to take your order in a restaurant than appear on your television.

Members of the network, which has chapters in 16 U.S. cities and eight countries, see Hollywood as the 21st century’s largest mission field, a powerful industry that can be used to sow the seeds of an international cultural and religious revival.

“We tell people, ‘If you’re angry at a TV show or you’re switching channels because of content, stop and pray for the people on the show,”’ said Karen Covell, HPN’s founder. “If you really believe in God and you believe God has a transforming power, then leave it up to him.”

The group is part of a larger movement among Christians who feel Hollywood may be the best way to reach the uninitiated, said Robert John­­ston, a professor of theology and culture at Fuller Seminary in Pasadena.

A megastar who turns his or her life around and gives the credit to God could have a tremendous influence on today’s younger generations, he said.

Hollywood insiders, however, say most stars probably don’t want divine intervention — and they question the logic of praying for celebrities when there are more pressing issues, such as world hunger, poverty and war.

That attitude hasn’t fazed the Hollywood Prayer Network.

“It’s this higher need. If I were asked not to, what would I do? I don’t know if I could turn off this compassion that I feel,” said member Terri Renfro. “I’m called to do this, so I do.”

Hundreds of people have signed up for the Incognito Prayer Network, an informal list of people who pray for a celebrity of their choosing or one assigned to them.

Celebrities don’t have to be on the brink of a meltdown. Some members pray for their favorite actors, for a star who seems lonely or for someone who’s had a string of box office flops.