American Media Thoughts & A Prayer

The purpose of American media is to inform, educate, entertain, and even act as a monitor over government and society. It offers an opportunity for political discourse and shapes public opinion.

In 1776, American “media” was almost entirely print-based, with communication networks already well-developed across the Thirteen Colonies. The main forms were newspapers, pamphlets, broadsides, and other printed materials, distributed through postal services and local printing presses.

That year marked a pivotal moment in media history. The American Revolution was, of course, unfolding. And it significantly influenced the media landscape. Citizens got their news through news through newspapers, pamphlets and broadsides (what we call posters today).

The Second Continental Congress declared to the world our independence from Great Britain on July 4. 1776. We officially became the “United States of America” 250 years ago on September 9, 1776, when it formally adopted the name, United States of America. The new name represented a unified national identity for the thirteen colonies pursuing independence from Great Britain. 

The prayer for America in 1776 was a call to fasting and prayer. The 2nd Continental Congress issued a proclamation on March 16, 1776 urging the colonies to fast and pray for American independence, a testament to the Christian influence and faith of the Founding Fathers. The Congress recommended a day of humiliation, fasting, and prayer to acknowledge God’s providence. They were asking the colonists to seek divine guidance during their national crisis.

 Local committees, town officials, and military leaders were responsible for disseminating all proclamations/declarations. They were read aloud in town squares, meeting halls, or before military units. Many were paired with festivities, parades, fireworks, bonfires and public speeches. It took about a month for the news to reach all 13 colonies.

It appears today that mainstream media has a different focus. It is fast – paced consumption. It seems to me professionals sacrifice accuracy for speed and confirmation of facts, and information. It also seems to me their biased reporting manufactures hatred, leaving room for misunderstanding and manipulation.

In this era of fast-paced consumption, we need to pray that media professionals refuse to sacrifice accuracy for the need to be first and to carry the message rather than market it.

To those who allow the manufactured hatred to take root in their heart and choose violence as the answer to stop someone that media manipulation told you was harming you; Take a second to sit down, breathe, and pray.

Heavenly Father,

We lift up the voices, screens, and pages that shape our nation’s conversations. Bless those who work in journalism, broadcasting, film, and digital platforms with integrity, wisdom, and courage.

Guard their hearts from the lure of falsehood and sensationalism, and guide them toward truth, compassion, and justice. May their words bring light where there is confusion,…. hope where there is despair,…. and unity where there is division.

Lord, let the stories told in America reflect Your heart for mercy, fairness, and dignity for all people. Strengthen those who stand for righteousness, even when it is costly, and inspire creativity that uplifts rather than tears down.

In Jesus’ name we pray,