A Hope and a Prayer for Troubled Hollywood

Nov. 17, 2007 — -- With former pop princess Britney Spears battling for her children and her career and frequent rehab guest Lindsay Lohan fresh from her 84-minute jail stay earlier this week, some think Hollywood's hotshots don't have a prayer.

But, one congregation believes they do. Its message is that the Lord can and will set anyone free.

So, the Hollywood Prayer Network hopes to help troubled starlets by praying for them.

"I think that people have a difficult life here," said Karen Covell, of the Hollywood Prayer Network. "I think we're not all created to be able to handle fame and wealth."

The group of more than 5,000 Christians prays for stars instead of thinking of them as lost causes, and co-hosted a prayer breakfast in Beverly Hills Friday to stir a larger movement to get Christians to help celebrities.

It also picks up-and-coming 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, according to the Associated Press.

Its ultimate goal was to reach those who influence millions, hoping divine intervention will help troubled celebrities shape up, thereby helping to fix the world around them.

"I believe if you want to change the world, you need to change Hollywood," said Tim Winters of the Hills Church.

But the prayers weren't just for Britney and Lindsay. The group, which chapters in 16 U.S. cities and eight countries, is encouraged to pray for anyone who comes to mind.

Group members have even handed out bibles to the rich and famous, like Paris Hilton. It plans to hand Britney Spears a bible too, according to the AP.

But some who represent Tinseltown's A-list said they found the act misguided and sanctimonious.

"The question is, of course, whether Britney Spears needs prayer or rehab," said publicist Michael Levine.

Still, the group believes its prayers may help guide those stars going through a difficult time.

"Hopefully, they will feel encouraged and know there are people who haven't lost hope with them," said Jared Isham of the Independent Filmmaker.