Most of the time, news stations want to keep things secular for their viewers, so you don’t really expect to see their anchors lead prayer on air. Hegseth, the host of Fox News, had other plans, though.
Read on to find out more about what happend!
On Sunday, Fox News show Pete Hegseth asked co-hosts of “Fox & Friends” and viewers to pray. In a section paid for by a Bible app, the host did that.
“We have more ‘Fox and Friends’ coming up, but you know what, this is a transition for transitions if you’ve ever had one,” he said as he laughed.
Rachel Campos-Duffy, co-host of Weekend, then added, “So ‘Fox and Friends.'”
Hegseth agreed, “This is very ‘Fox and Friends, so ready your heart.”
“It’s the 5th Sunday of Lent, and our prayer series continues with the reading of prayer from the Hallow app,” Hegseth went on. “We all need it, let’s do it this morning, close your eyes — if you would, bow your head.”
He then read the prayer from the Hallow app while Campos-Duffy and Will Cain, his co-hosts, bowed their heads in respect.
“Jesus, today we begin the holy period of passion tide,” Hegseth read. “In these last 2 weeks of Lent, help us understand the mystery of your sacrifice and surrender, make us keenly aware of your love for us. We ask that you make yourself known to us, help us to feel the grace of your presence.”
Hegseth complimented Christ on the “selfless love you showed on the cross” and ended by saying, “Thank you again to Hallow for this partnership during Lent.”
“Amen,” added Campos-Duffy.
The Huffington Post says that Fox News showed a part of the piece about the Hallow app on Ash Wednesday. Mark Wahlberg, the actor, was called as a guest as part of the sponsorship.
It’s not the first time a Fox News host has talked about their faith live. Before, host Kayleigh McEnany said this about Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson: “I really believe he thinks God is leading the way — this will all get figured out.”
“To everyone out there, pray for him as our speaker,” co-host Ainsley Earhardt said on the same episode of Johnson. “Our country really needs some guidance from God right now.”
Even though everyone in the US is free to follow their own religion, this prayer on TV may have upset some people. One person Fox News Host Pete Hegseth Lead Prayer On Live Television. And It Seems To Have Caused A Heated Debate Online, “These people don’t praise God the rest of time. It’s a political stunt to make you believe they do. Fox news spreads falsehoods and conspiracy theories, remember they paid a hefty fine for doing so. Hypocrisy at its best!!”
While another added, “about as religious as a rock.” Another disgruntled viewer wrote, “These people praying is a joke. They sit there everyday and lie threw their mouths. You never hear the truth about anything. So please give me a break.”
It looks like some people didn’t believe the prayer and thought it was made up, but dozens of people spoke out in support of the idea.