‘The Chosen People’ Podcast from PRAY.com Provides Jewish Perspective on Scripture, Celebrates Common Biblical Heritage with Christians
Cinematic Journey Through Old Testament Given Fresh Perspective by Host Yael Eckstein, President and CEO of The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews
LOS ANGELES, Sep. 19, 2024 – PRAY.COM, the world’s leading app for daily prayer and faith-based audio content, proudly announces the release of The Chosen People, a new podcast hosted by Yael Eckstein, President and CEO of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (The Fellowship). This captivating devotional series offers a cinematic audio experience, bringing to life the timeless stories of the Old Testament and highlighting their relevance to both Christian and Jewish audiences.
Through The Chosen People, listeners will journey into the hearts and minds of ancient Israel, experiencing tales of wonder and war, of slavery and salvation. These powerful stories reveal not only the history of a nation but also the essence of being people of faith—of wrestling with God, of surviving trials and tribulations, and of finding purpose amid tragedy and sin.
"The biblical characters each hold divine revelation, which is especially relevant to us today, as the world seems so dark and scary. When we dive deep, we realize that their stories are our stories—their fall from grace, their struggle to survive, and the heroes who rose to build and save a nation, all hold profound wisdom and guidance for our lives as both Christians and Jews," said Eckstein. "Within these biblical narratives lie deep spiritual truths about faith, prayer, and the human spirit. They are stories that continue to define the people of Israel to this day and can help Christians understand the root of their faith in a practical and inspirational way."
Recorded in Israel, The Chosen People brings ancient history to life with vivid storytelling and spiritual reflections. Listeners are invited to reflect on how the Bible’s lessons apply to their own lives of faith and prayer.
“We are honored to bring this unique series to our audience,” said Matthew Potter, co-founder of PRAY.COM. “Yael’s Jewish perspective illuminates the richness of these Old Testament stories, inviting listeners to explore the spiritual heritage of Israel and its role in shaping their own faith journey.”
With themes of survival, redemption, and divine purpose, The Chosen People invites listeners to immerse themselves in Bible stories that resonate across time. Whether discovering these stories for the first time or revisiting them with fresh eyes, listeners of this series will be inspired to reflect, while finding and a deeper connection to the foundational truths of Scripture.
The Chosen People will be available exclusively on PRAY.COM starting October 6, 2024. To subscribe and learn more about the podcast, visit thechosenpeople.com and preview a trailer here.
About Pray.com
Founded in 2016 with a mission to grow faith and cultivate community, PRAY.COM is the world’s No. 1 app for daily prayer and Bible-based audio content. It recently launched a 24/7 live streaming video channel, PrayTV. Reaching more than 16 million people worldwide through its mobile app and website, PRAY.COM is the easiest way to incorporate prayer into your daily life. PRAY.COM provides encouragement and inspiration through daily devotionals, Pastor podcasts, and Bedtime Bible Stories. PRAY.COM founders are Steve Gatena, Michael Lynn, Ryan Beck, and Matthew Potter. See more at https://www.alarryross.com/praycom.
About Yael Eckstein
Yael Eckstein is the President and CEO of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews. As a respected Jewish leader, speaker, and author, Yael continues the legacy of her father, Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein—fostering understanding and cooperation between Christians and Jews. With over a decade of non-profit experience in multiple roles, she has the rare distinction of being a woman leading one of the world’s largest religious charitable organizations. She resides in Israel, where she works to support Jews in need and build bridges of faith between communities. To learn more about the Fellowship’s work, visit http://www.ifcj.org.
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Note to Editors: A pre-release episode is available for advance review by members of the media upon request.
Media Contact:
Melany Ethridge
melany@alarryross.com
214-912-8934
PRAY.COM First Religious App to Reach 100 Million Podcast Downloads, 2.5 Billion Minutes
Prayers and Content Shared Make PRAY.COM most Impactful Platform
LOS ANGELES, Sept. 12, 2024 – As the No. 1 app for daily prayer and faith-based content, PRAY.COM recently surpassed 2.5 billion minutes in prayer and the 100 million podcast downloads milestone. This is significant in an industry marked by substantial year over year growth, with 66% of consumers today preferring podcasts over TV.
“In addition to billions of minutes spent in prayer, I am encouraged to see that we’ve also facilitated more than 142 million prayers shared across 185 countries worldwide,” said PRAY.COM founder and CEO Steve Gatena.
“We are grateful to God for the opportunity to produce stories that help point people to Him,” said Max Bard, PRAY.COM VP of Content. ”Everything we do is inspired by the Bible, produced to the highest quality standards, and we believe our audience continues to grow because no one else in the industry is creating anything like it.”
Some of the most popular content in the app includes “Bible in a Year with Jack Graham,” “The Jesus Podcast,” “Heroes in the Bible,” “Sleep Psalms with Bishop T.D. Jakes,” and “Bedtime Bible Stories.”
According to a recent study, listening to Bible in a Year or Bible Stories was correlated with a decrease in anxiety symptoms, which was just one of a number of mental health outcomes reported to be improved with Pray.com use.
“We hypothesized that the data would suggest PRAY.COM is positively impacting people with mental health challenges such as anxiety, stress and depression,” said PRAY.COM research scientist Breanne Laird, Ph.D. “Not only was this confirmed, but we were surprised at the levels of improvements reported by participants in our study.”
“We love that PRAY.COM is helping people all over the world, and even more that our members are sharing their faith with others by sharing our content,” added PRAY.COM founder Matthew Potter. “We praise God for the lives impacted, as that’s what it’s all about for us – not the numbers but the hearts that are reached.”
New content launching on PRAY.COM this fall includes a new “Heroes in the Bible” series on the life of Joseph, voiced by Dr. Ed Young, and “The Chosen People,” a journey through the Hebrew Bible hosted by Yael Eckstein. All PRAY.COM originally-produced podcasts are distributed by iHeartPodcasts and available on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are heard.
About PRAY.COM
Founded in 2016 with a mission to grow faith and cultivate community, PRAY.COM is the world’s No. 1 app for daily prayer and Bible-based audio content. Reaching more than 17 million people worldwide through its mobile app and website, PRAY.COM is the easiest way to incorporate prayer into your daily life. PRAY.COM provides encouragement and inspiration through daily devotionals, pastor podcasts and Bedtime Bible Stories. PRAY.COM founders are Steve Gatena, Michael Lynn, Ryan Beck and Matthew Potter. See more at www.PRAY.COM/discover.
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Media Contact:
Melany Ethridge
melany@alarryross.com
214-912-8934
INDYCAR’s Sting Ray Robb Launches ‘Race Day Reads’ on PRAY.COM
Young Christian Driver – Slated for the INDY 500 this Month – Shares Short Reflections on Scripture’s Impact in his Life
LOS ANGELES, May 15, 2024 – PRAY.COM, the No. 1 app for prayer and faith-based content, is excited to join with INDYCAR driver Sting Ray Robb – #41 with AJ Foyt Racing – to host “Race Day Reads with Sting Ray Robb.” In each short episode – the perfect length for young people on the go – the up-and-coming driver shares a personally meaningful Bible verse and how it has been impactful in his own life and spiritual journey. Listeners will appreciate his authenticity and transparency and will come to understand that every day is “race day” when it comes to living a life with purpose and meaning.
“Sting Ray is an exceptional young man with wisdom beyond his years, and we are honored to have him as part of the PRAY.COM family,” said Founder and CEO Steve Gatena. “His ‘Race Day Reads’ are relevant and timely, and align perfectly with our mission to help people incorporate prayer into their daily lives.”
“We are truly inspired by Sting Ray’s profound maturity and spiritual insight at just 22 years old, and are thrilled to welcome him to our platform to engage with our audience,” adds Co-founder Matthew Potter.. “As an INDYCAR driver, Sting Ray uniquely interprets the Bible’s frequent metaphor of the ‘race’—a concept he lives out both on and off the track. His reflections on faith promise to uplift and motivate everyone navigating the race of life.”
As a professional athlete, Robb has made it clear that his faith is very important to him, and he wants to use the platform that racing provides to help other people see that there is hope and purpose for their lives.
“Prayer is such an important part of spiritual health and well-being, and I want to help others see that,” Robb said. “It’s about connecting with God and growing to understand His purpose for our lives. He wants to have a personal relationship with us through prayer, and it’s the catalyst for changing us and helping us to become who we are meant to be.”
The team surrounding Robb is just as committed to his goals and appreciates PRAY.COM’s support and alignment with his desire to promote the importance and power of prayer in people’s lives. Philip Peters, Director of Faith-Based Initiatives for Robb, explains: “There is a massive need for guys to hear from a peer or role model that is living in the world of a very competitive sport, yet leaning not on his own strength. The story God is writing in Sting Ray’s life is just beginning, and we are grateful he’s letting us all in on the ride."
Find “Race Day Reads with Sting Ray Robb” and other faith-based audio content at www.PRAY.COM/pray, and learn more about Robb and his faith-fueled mission at https://www.foytracing.com/stingrayrobb.
About PRAY.COM
Founded in 2016 with a mission to grow faith and cultivate community, PRAY.COM is the world’s No. 1 app for daily prayer and Bible-based audio content. It recently launched a 24/7 live streaming video channel, PrayTV. Reaching more than 16 million people worldwide through its mobile app and website, PRAY.COM is the easiest way to incorporate prayer into your daily life. PRAY.COM provides encouragement and inspiration through daily devotionals, Pastor podcasts, and Bedtime Bible Stories. PRAY.COM founders are Steve Gatena, Michael Lynn, Ryan Beck and Matthew Potter. See more at www.alarryross.com/pray-com.
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Media Contact:
Melany Ethridge
melany@alarryross.com
214-912-8934
New Studies Link Improved Mental Health to Use of Digitally-Delivered Faith and Prayer
Sponsored by PRAY.COM in Partnership with Credentialed Research Scientists and Institutions
LOS ANGELES, May 2. 2024 – As the No. 1 app for daily prayer, PRAY.COM recently partnered with credentialed researchers to study the benefits of digitally-delivered faith and prayer for mental health and well-being. The published results suggest a positive correlation between app usage and decreased anxiety, stress and depression. This is good news at a time when people are more interconnected digitally than in-person, yet approximately 26% of the U.S. adult population suffers from a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.
“We are driven by a mission to grow faith and cultivate community. As a result, we believe it is important to conduct research regarding PRAY.COM as a practical, easy-to-use prayer resource to combat the ongoing mental health pandemic,” said Founder and CEO Steve Gatena. “We know there is a correlation between prayer and improved mental health and were excited to see positive mental health results with use of the PRAY.COM app. We hope this will encourage the scientific community to further examine the impact spiritual health can have on mental and physical health, an area of research that has been largely overlooked.”
Dr. Jennifer Huberty, former Director of Science at Calm, who recently joined PRAY.COM as Fractional Chief Science Advisor, led the company’s research efforts in partnership with Dr. Todd Hall, a professor of psychology at Biola University and a faculty affiliate at the Harvard Human Flourishing Program; Dr. Joshua Hook, Associate Professor of Counseling Psychology at the University of North Texas; and Dr. Daryl R. Van Tongeren, Associate Professor of Psychology at Hope College.
“As a Chief Science Officer, I help companies integrate science to provide evidence for their product and enhance innovation and credibility,” Huberty said. “PRAY.COM is committed to having a product that improves lives and I am happy to advise the science of their ongoing pursuit.”
Three studies were conducted, beginning with a cross-sectional survey of current subscribers of PRAY.COM. The results of this study, as published recently in the Journal of Religion and Health, showed that many individuals engaged with the app not only to grow spiritually, many also reported engaging with the app for mental and physical health concerns. Of those who came to PRAY.COM for a specific health outcome, high levels of significant to extreme improvements were reported, including:
● STRESS: 74% of respondents reported significant to extreme improvements
● ANXIETY: 69% reported significant to extreme improvements
● DEPRESSION: 60% reported significant to extreme improvements
● SLEEP: 94% of PRAY.COM subscribers who responded to the scientific survey reported significant to extreme improvements for sleep.
"It is very exciting and long overdue that we have a study that confirms what many in the world already know—the power of prayer—and mobile prayer applications can have a significant impact for mental health and wellness,” said Craig DeRoche, CEO of the Family Policy Alliance. “In 2023, with 50,000 taking their own lives in America, we lost more people to suicide than ever before. The crisis is real and growing—especially for those suffering from addiction and behavioral health challenges. As our nation continues to look at all viable options to address this crisis we are very excited about what digital prayer applications, like Pray.com, can do to help so many people like me when they are in crisis, and when they just wish to grow more spiritually.”
The second study entailed an assessment of PRAY.COM’s impact on moderately to severely stressed adults in an 8-week randomized controlled trial. Those who spent more time on the app reported greater reductions in mental health symptoms than participants who spent less time on the app. More specifically, the number of days spent using the app was related to reductions in stress, anxiety, depression and burnout, as well as increased mindfulness, measured at two months. This study is scheduled to be published in the journal “Spirituality in Clinical Practice” later this month.
A third study related specifically to people who identify with a racial or ethnic minority group, focusing on the feasibility of PRAY.COM as a tool to improve mental health and well-being and to better understand how different racial or ethnic groups interact with and benefit from PRAY.COM. The results were positive suggesting PRAY.COM is feasible and may be a tool to improve mental health symptoms in racial or ethnic groups, as published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research Formative Research earlier this year.
“We are excited to share this foundational research exploring the impact of the faith- and prayer-based digital advancement, PRAY.COM,” said research scientist Breanne Laird, MS. “I look forward to continuing our investigation into how engagement with PRAY.COM may positively impact the mental health and well-being of its users.”
As the first religious mental health and wellness app to do so, PRAY.COM’s purpose in these studies is to drive scientific insight into the impact digitally-delivered faith and prayer has on mental health and to use its findings to raise more awareness of ways to strengthen mental health by practicing the healthy habit of frequent prayer.
About PRAY.COM
Founded in 2016 with a mission to grow faith and cultivate community, PRAY.COM is the world’s No. 1 app for daily prayer and Bible-based audio content. Reaching more than 16 million people worldwide through its mobile app and website, PRAY.COM is the easiest way to incorporate prayer into your daily life. PRAY.COM provides encouragement and inspiration through daily devotionals, pastor podcasts and Bedtime Bible Stories. PRAY.COM founders are Steve Gatena, Michael Lynn, Ryan Beck and Matthew Potter. See more at www.PRAY.COM/discover.
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Media Contact:
Melany Ethridge
melany@alarryross.com
214-912-8934
PRAY.COM’s Newest Podcast, ‘The Jesus Podcast’ Invites Listeners to an Intimate Journey with Jesus
Explores Grittiness of the Gospel, Transforms Audiences from Passive Listeners to Active Disciples
LOS ANGELES, May 1 , 2024 – PRAY.COM, the No. 1 app for prayer and faith-based content, is proud to announce the launch of its transformative new series, “The Jesus Podcast,” an extraordinary journey into the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Having just launched this Easter season, this daily podcast stands as a pinnacle in Christian storytelling, meticulously unfolding the magnitude, impact and depth of Jesus' life in more than 260 enlightening episodes.
“We are so proud of this new podcast, that really takes listeners on a much deeper exploration of what Jesus experienced and taught while here on Earth,” PRAY.COM co-founder Matthew Potter said. “But it’s more than just head knowledge – there’s an emotional impact with the writing in this series that helps us understand and internalize Jesus’ love for each of us individually – that’s what makes it so life-changing!”
“The Jesus Podcast” invites listeners to travel back two thousand years and sit in on Jesus’ teaching as if they were among the disciples. The podcast leverages Hollywood-grade production to immerse listeners in the transformative world of Jesus – from Galilee to Jerusalem. Each episode, ranging from 16 to 30 minutes in length, captures the stirring tales of birth, ministry, crucifixion and resurrection, illustrating the vibrancy of Christ's parables and the miracles that underscore his dominion over darkness and sin.
"’The Jesus Podcast’ is more than a podcast. It’s a journey of hope and spiritual enlightenment," said host and writer Zak Shellabarger. "Blending masterful storytelling with profound theology, each episode touches upon themes of doubt, faith, shame and rebirth, inviting listeners to deepen their faith and stir their souls."
For individuals grappling with uncertainty in their faith journey, the podcast serves as a beacon of light, providing thoughtful insights and perspectives to help reconcile beliefs and find spiritual clarity. For those seeking a deeper intimacy in their faith journey, the podcast offers captivating storytelling and profound theological exploration. “The Jesus Podcast” aims to accompany listeners on their spiritual journey, offering support, inspiration and a pathway to experience Jesus of Nazareth in both his humanity and divinity.
Find “The Jesus Podcast” and other faith-based audio content at www.PRAY.COM/podcasts, on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are heard.
About PRAY.COM
Founded in 2016 with a mission to grow faith and cultivate community, PRAY.COM is the world’s No. 1 app for daily prayer and Bible-based audio content. It recently launched a 24/7 live streaming video channel, PrayTV. Reaching more than 16 million people worldwide through its mobile app and website, PRAY.COM is the easiest way to incorporate prayer into your daily life. PRAY.COM provides encouragement and inspiration through daily devotionals, Pastor podcasts, and Bedtime Bible Stories. PRAY.COM founders are Steve Gatena, Michael Lynn, Ryan Beck and Matthew Potter. See more at www.alarryross.com/pray-com.
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Media Contact:
Melany Ethridge
melany@alarryross.com
214-912-8934
PRAY.COM Launches Riveting Second Season of ‘Heroes in the Bible’ Hosted by Dr. Tony Evans
Debuting before Easter, Hit Podcast Series Focuses on the Miraculous Life of Jesus, Inviting Listeners into Scripture
LOS ANGELES, Mar. 21, 2023 – PRAY.COM, the No. 1 app for prayer and faith-based audio and video streaming content, announces – just in time for Easter – the exciting second season of its innovative and action-packed “Heroes in the Bible” series with Dr. Tony Evans, with this new season focusing on the miraculous life of Jesus.
Beginning with the foretelling of the Messiah’s arrival and the birth of John the Baptist, the second season of this series casts a light on the life of Christ—from His humble birth to His sacrificial act of redemption. This series uncovers the extraordinary within the miraculous, narrating His life's events with cinematic flair, inspiring listeners through the transformative power of the Bible by exploring the Jesus of the Gospels, whose teachings and actions have shaped the course of history.
“We are humbled and honored once again to have Dr. Evans lend his remarkable voice and presence for this epic series, which ranked No. 1 on Apple podcast charts with 3.7 million downloads,” said PRAY.COM founder and CEO Steve Gatena. “We couldn’t be more excited about releasing these new episodes, and we know that millions will be blessed by this podcast about the most important Bible hero of all time.”
Dr. Evans powerfully shares these incredible experiences in his characteristic teaching style, captivating listeners with the transformative power of the Bible. Each episode reinvigorates these biblical narratives, masterfully enacted by a diverse cast of voiceover talent. The soundscapes, richly detailed and meticulously crafted, are complemented by custom musical scores, offering an enveloping auditory experience.
“When we reflect upon the goodness of Christ, we are granted a deepened reverence, gratitude and hope,” said series host Dr. Evans. “In that blessing, we receive peace and excitement to share that same message with others. This is the most valuable gift we could ever give—the hope that can only be found in Jesus.”
PRAY.COM co-founder Matthew Potter adds “The story of Jesus is what the Bible is all about, and we greatly appreciate how Dr. Evans helps us all understand how Jesus is the hero in every one of our stories.”
Recognized as one of the country’s most respected leaders in evangelical circles, Dr. Evans is a pastor, teacher, author and speaker, serving the body of Christ through his unique ability to communicate complex theological truths using simple, yet profound, illustrations. New and veteran pastors alike regard him as a pastor of pastors and a father in the faith. Learn more about Dr. Tony Evans at https://tonyevans.org/.
"We are so excited to bring the story of Jesus to life for our members, in our signature cinematic story-telling style,” said PRAY.COM VP of Content Max Bard. “Of all the biblical figures, Christ is the most important, and only someone with the voice and the depth of Dr. Tony Evans could do it justice."
In addition to “Heroes in the Bible,” PRAY.COM hosts podcasts from leading Christian pastors and speakers, meditative and reflective prayers and Bible-based resources to aid listeners wherever they may be in their spiritual growth journeys. Find “Heroes in the Bible” and other prayer and faith-based audio content at www.pray.com/podcasts, iHeart Radio or Apple.
About PRAY.COM
Founded in 2016 with a mission to grow faith and cultivate community, PRAY.COM is the world’s No. 1 app for daily prayer and Bible-based audio content.Reaching more than 16 million people worldwide through its mobile app and website, PRAY.COM is the easiest way to incorporate prayer into your daily life. PRAY.COM provides encouragement and inspiration through daily devotionals, Pastor podcasts, and Bedtime Bible Stories. PRAY,COM founders are Steve Gatena, Michael Lynn, Ryan Beck and Matthew Potter. See more at www.alarryross.com/pray-com.
About Tony Evans
Dr. Tony Evans has served as the senior pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship for over 40 years, witnessing its growth from ten people in 1976 to now over 10,000 congregants with over 100 ministries. Dr. Evans also serves as president of The Urban Alternative, a national ministry that seeks to restore hope and transform lives through the proclamation and the application of the Word of God. His daily radio broadcast, The Alternative with Dr. Tony Evans, can also be heard as a podcast and on the Tony Evans App.
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Media Contact:
Melany Ethridge
melany@alarryross.com
214-912-8934
Exciting New Season of ‘Bible in a Year with Jack Graham’ on Pray.com Tops Religion Podcasts Charts, Inviting Listeners to Dive Deeper with God
LOS ANGELES, Feb. 23, 2024 – Pray.com, the leading app for prayer and faith-based audio content, announces season 2 of “Bible in a Year with Jack Graham” has hit No. 1 on Apple among religious podcasts as it invites listeners to embark on an epic journey that will deepen their understanding of Scripture. Produced in collaboration with iHeartPodcasts, “Bible in a Year with Jack Graham” brings the Bible to life through cinematic storytelling and an original soundtrack performed by a 61-piece orchestra. Each of the 244 episodes runs under 15 minutes—perfect for people on the go, as attested to by the series’ 40 million downloads to-date. Whether listeners are beginning their first journey through the Bible or cruising along their seventeenth, “Bible in a Year” is a convenient resource for anyone looking to deepen their knowledge of Scripture.
"Season 2 of ‘Bible in a Year with Jack Graham’ features even more exciting biblical content, exploring the stories, hidden gems and the timeless wisdom that can only be found in God’s Word,” said Max Bard, VP of Content at Pray.com. “Engaging and inspiring, this series makes it easy for listeners to establish a routine of spending time with God every day.”
Dr. Jack Graham is the pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church, one of the nation’s largest, most dynamic congregations with over 50,000 members. He is a noted author of numerous books, including “Life According to Jesus,” “Reignite: Fresh Focus for an Enduring Faith,” and his most recent, “Angels: Who They Are, What They Do, and Why It Matters.” His passionate, biblical teaching is also seen and heard across the country and throughout the world on “PowerPoint Ministries.” Graham has served as Honorary Chairman of the National Day of Prayer and has helped lead numerous national prayer initiatives. He also served as President of the Southern Baptist Convention, the largest Protestant denomination in the country, with more than 14 million members.
“It’s been an honor and a joy to partner with the team at Pray.com in bringing this great project to life,” Graham said. “There’s never been a more important time to spread the influence of God’s Word to our communities, our country and the world. We pray the ‘Bible in a Year’ podcast format invites people to engage with Scripture in a new way, diving deeper into God’s character while journeying through the grand biblical narrative.”
Pray.com's co-founder and head of strategic relationships Matthew Potter couldn't contain his enthusiasm for the exhilarating season 2 launch: "We're incredibly blessed and thrilled to advance our journey with Pastor Jack Graham at the helm of our unparalleled 'Bible in a Year' podcast. The Bible's profound and vast legacy demands the expertise and passion of a luminary like Dr. Graham. It's a privilege of the highest order to collaborate with him. Together, we're on a mission to transform lives through the podcast ‘Bible In A Year,’ empowering listeners to weave biblical wisdom into the fabric of their daily lives, fostering growth in faith and enlightenment."
In addition to “Bible in a Year with Jack Graham,” Pray.com hosts podcasts from leading Christian pastors and speakers, meditative and reflective prayers and Bible-based resources to aid listeners wherever they may be in their spiritual growth journeys. Pray.com podcasts are distributed by iHeartPodcasts.
Find “Bible in a Year with Jack Graham” and other prayer and faith-based audio content at
www.pray.com/discover, on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are heard.
About Pray.com
Founded in 2016 with a mission to grow faith and cultivate community, Pray.com is the world’s No. 1 app for daily prayer and Bible-based audio content. Reaching more than 15 million people worldwide through its mobile app and website, Pray.com is the easiest way to incorporate prayer into your daily life. Pray.com provides encouragement and inspiration through daily devotionals, Pastor podcasts, and Bedtime Bible Stories. Pray.com founders are Steve Gatena, Michael Lynn, Ryan Beck and Matthew Potter. See more at www.alarryross.com/pray-com.
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Media Contact:
Melany Ethridge
melany@alarryross.com
214-912-8934
Pray.com Addresses Apple App Store in China Restricting Access to Content, Impacting National Day of Prayer Livestream
LOS ANGELES, Feb. 22, 2024 – In a recent development that underscores the challenges of digital content accessibility in restrictive regulatory environments, Pray.com — the premier digital platform for faith-based content, prayer and spiritual community engagement — is being removed from the Apple App Store in mainland China. This decision aligns with the Chinese government’s policies on internet publishing and significantly affects Pray.com’s mission to grow faith and cultivate community on a global scale.
A direct consequence of this action is that individuals in China will no longer have the ability to participate in the National Day of Prayer livestream through Pray.com, an event that in previous years featured notable figures such as President Joe Biden, Chris Tomlin and Franklin Graham. This livestream has been a pivotal moment for people around the world to be able to join in collective prayer and worship with the most influential Christians in the United States.
This revocation signals a change from previous policies, which allowed the Christian prayer app to minister in the Communist nation. “Since starting Pray.com we’ve grown accustomed to positive relations with China. President Xi Jinping has allowed for the printing of nearly 150 million Bibles per year, and President Trump ensured that Bibles were exempt from Chinese tariffs,” said cofounder Mike Lynn.
Steve Gatena, founder and CEO of Pray.com, expressed that “in response to these limitations, our team is exploring alternative avenues to deliver our content and services to people in mainland China. As we work on a solution, I want to personally extend an invitation to President Xi to join us for this year’s National Day of Prayer event in Washington, D.C.”
“I am speaking with former President Donald J. Trump tonight. We are committed to overcoming these barriers to ensure that our global community remains connected and supported, especially during significant spiritual observances such as the National Day of Prayer,” said Matt Potter, cofounder of Pray.com.
Pray.com stands in solidarity with its members in China during this challenging time and is working tirelessly to find solutions that align with regulatory requirements while maintaining its core mission to grow faith and cultivate community.
“We will continue to pursue avenues to deliver Pray.com as far and wide as possible,” said Ryan Beck, cofounder of Pray.com.
For updates on this situation and information on how to support their efforts, please visit their website at www.pray.com.
About Pray.com
Founded in 2016 with a mission to grow faith and cultivate community, Pray.com is the world’s No. 1 app for daily prayer and Bible-based audio content. Reaching more than 16 million people worldwide through its mobile app and website, Pray.com is the easiest way to incorporate prayer into your daily life. Pray.com provides encouragement and inspiration through daily devotionals, Pastor podcasts, and Bedtime Bible Stories. Pray.com founders are Steve Gatena, Michael Lynn, Ryan Beck and Matthew Potter. See more at www.alarryross.com/pray-com.
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Media Contact:
Melany Ethridge
melany@alarryross.com
214-912-8934
Pray.com Enters World of INDYCAR with Sting Ray Robb Partnership
Up-and-Coming Young Driver, #41 with AJ Foyt Racing, is
Committed Man of Prayer
NASHVILLE, Feb. 20, 2024 – Pray.com, the No. 1 app for prayer and Bible-based audio content, announced today its new partnership with the INDYCAR racing circuit’s rising new star Sting Ray Robb for the 2024 season. Pray.com and the young driver – only in his second year and his first as part of the legendary AJ Foyt Racing team – originally connected over their aligned beliefs and goals, sharing a commitment to prayer and a community of growing faith.
“With the explosive growth of Christian advertisers being embraced by television networks like CBS, FOX, and others we recognized motorsports fans as an incredible audience for Pray.com. We partnered up with Sting Ray – not only because of his cool name but also because of his miraculous testimony,” said Pray.com Founder and CEO Steve Gatena. “The more the pray.com team go to know him, the more we came to love him – he’s got an infectious faith and a great passion for sharing the power of prayer.”
Pray.com sees alignment with Sting Ray Robb’s mission to bring faith into the fast lane and wants to support him in his efforts to communicate the importance of prayer to younger audiences. Future aspects of the partnership may include Sting Ray Robb prayer content on Pray.com or devotional projects aimed at helping young people get on track with God.
Pray.com timed the announcement to coincide with the annual National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) convention in Nashville Feb. 19-23, for which it serves as a platinum sponsor. Pray.com invited Robb to join them onsite for the week so they could introduce him to the thousands of Christian communicators gathered for a time of encouragement, networking and learning.
"I've been a fan of Christian music, film and television my whole life,” Robb said. “Growing up in Idaho and working through the racing ranks, I have traveled and met many people. Being at NRB this week with people I consider my ‘faith’ family is an honor and a blessing. Being able to not only share my racing journey but also openly share about my faith is what has driven me for my entire career, and I look forward to sharing that with others during my time at NRB with pray.com this year."
Robb, age 22, is an Idaho native who began his career racing go-karts as a young boy, finding great international success before transitioning to race cars in 2017. He’s now based in Indianapolis with the AJ Foyt Racing team. Robb is a graduate of INDYCAR's open wheel ladder series and earned a scholarship to the INDY NXT by Firestone series. Named after the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, Robb enters his second year in the NTT INDYCAR Series driving a Chevrolet-powered car for the first time. He will begin his 2024 NTT INDYCAR Series in Florida March 10 with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.
Sting Ray Robb’s season will include 17 races throughout the year spanning coast to coast from Long Beach, Calif., and concluding the season on the Streets of Nashville, Tenn. In May, it will include the 108th running of the Indianapolis 500 which draws over 350,000 people in attendance. Race weekends can be viewed on NBC, USA and Peacock throughout the season.
Robb looks forward to partnering with Pray.com and using his INDYCAR platform to reach young people with positive messages about faith and prayer, sharing the story of his own spiritual journey with others. Pray.com is grateful for the opportunity to join him in that endeavor as it similarly seeks to grow faith, cultivate community and leave a legacy of helping others.
About Pray.com
Founded in 2016 with a mission to grow faith and cultivate community, Pray.com is the world’s No. 1 app for daily prayer having facilitated more than a billion minutes in prayer and over 100 million prayers shared globally. Pray.com reaches more than 1 million people per day through its podcasts, mobile app, and website. Pray.com is the easiest way to incorporate prayer into your daily life. Pray.com provides encouragement and inspiration through daily devotionals, Pastor podcasts and Bedtime Bible Stories. Pray.com founders are Steve Gatena, Michael Lynn, Ryan Beck and Matthew Potter. See more at www.alarryross.com/pray-com.
About AJ Foyt Racing
AJ Foyt Racing, headquartered northwest of Houston, has been competing at the top levels of motorsports since December 1965, nearly 60 years. With A.J. Foyt driving, his team won two Indianapolis 500s and three national IndyCar championships. Since Foyt's retirement from driving in 1993, the team has continued to win, claiming two more national titles and the 1999 Indianapolis 500 with driver Kenny Brack. See more at www.foytracing.com.187
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Media Contacts:
For Pray.com: For Sting Ray Robb
Melany Ethridge, 214-912-8934 Philip Peters
melany@alarryross.com PR@stingrayrobb.com
Pray.com Named to Inc. Business Media’s Vet100 List
Ventura area company ranked among 100 Fastest-Growing Veteran-Owned Businesses
LOS ANGELES, Nov. 3, 2023 – Pray.com, the #1 app for daily prayer and faith-based content, has been named to the annual Vet100 list—a compilation of the nation’s fastest growing veteran-owned businesses. The ranking, created in partnership with Inc. Business Media and Syracuse University's D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF), was born out of the iconic Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies based in the U.S. Both distinctions are considered hallmarks of entrepreneurial success.
“It was an honor to make the Inc. 5000 list, which we credit to the tens of millions of individuals who’ve turned to Pray.com and its content for spiritual support; now to be recognized on the Vet100 is even more meaningful,” said Pray.com CEO and Founder Steve Gatena. “Pray.com’s team is a reflection of the mission it pursues, values it lives, and customers it serves, which include members of the armed forces community.”
In addition to being named #1 in its market on the 2023 Inc. 5000 list, Pray.com was #3 in the media industry, #27 in the state and #116 overall, placing it at #15 on the Vet100 list. Pray was also named to Inc.’s 2023 Best Workplaces list and these special categories: Established Excellence: 5-14 years in business; Prosperous and Thriving: $5MM – $50MM in gross revenue; Micro: Employee size 10-49; and Pacific Region: AK, CA, HI, OR, WA. In addition, Pray.com was named to the Inc. 2022 Best in Business list in the General Excellence category last December, making it the first religious media company to be recognized for this award.
“Economic prosperity is so important to so many aspects of American life, from home and main street to even our standing in the world,” says Scott Omelianuk, Inc. Business Media’s Editor in Chief. “Given that prosperity is driven by small business, and given, we now know, the impact Veteran founders have on that small business, we can only continue to recognize them and say, again, thank you for your service.”
“In almost every industry we see veteran-owned businesses excelling by applying leadership and management skills they learned from their military service and having tremendous impact in their communities,” said Dr. Mike Haynie, Syracuse University Vice Chancellor as well as the Founder and Executive Director of the IVMF. “Veteran entrepreneurs are a critical component of the small business landscape, and we’re excited to see some of our program graduates recognized by Inc., particularly those who are enjoying recurring placement on the Vet100 list. We appreciate Inc.’s commitment to highlighting these success stories. One specific area we’re proud to see growth this year is the number of those businesses whose veteran business owners are women. All of us here at the IVMF take pride in moments like these and we’re grateful for the continued partnership with Inc.”
For more information on the Vet100 list, visit: https://ivmf.syracuse.edu/vet100/
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Media Contacts:
Melany Ethridge
melany@alarryross.com
214-912-8934
About Pray.com
Founded in 2016 with a mission to grow faith and cultivate community, Pray.com is the world’s No. 1 app for daily prayer and Bible based audio content. Reaching more than 14 million people world-wide through its mobile app and website, it is the easiest way to incorporate prayer into your daily life. Pray.com provides encouragement and inspiration through daily devotionals, Pastor podcasts, and Bedtime Bible Stories. It launched “Bible in a Year with Jack Graham” earlier this year, which rocketed to #1 on the Spotify religion list. Its newest podcast, “Sleep Psalms with Bishop T.D. Jakes,” launches this month. Pray.com founders are Steve Gatena, Michael Lynn, Ryan Beck and Matthew Potter. See https://alarryross.com/pray-com for more information.
About Inc. Business Media and the Inc. 5000
The world’s most trusted business-media brand, Inc. Business Media offers entrepreneurs the knowledge, tools, connections, and community to build great companies. Its award-winning multiplatform content reaches more than 50 million people each month across a variety of channels including websites, newsletters, social media, podcasts, and print. Its prestigious Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since 1982, analyzes company data to recognize the fastest- growing privately held businesses in the United States. The global recognition that comes with inclusion in the 5000 gives the founders of the best businesses an opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers, and the credibility that helps them drive sales and recruit talent. The associated Inc. 5000 Conference is part of a highly acclaimed portfolio of bespoke events produced by Inc. Business Media. For more information, visit
About Syracuse University’s D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families
Syracuse University's D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) delivers no-cost career training and entrepreneurship programs across the US and globally. And we help ease the transition after service back into communities for service members, veterans and their families as well as prepare them for successful careers and business ownership. We've supported over 200,000 to date. It's our mission to support theirs. For more information, visit ivmf.syracuse.edu and follow the IVMF on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Pray.com and iHeartMedia Launch New Podcast, ‘Sleep Psalms with Bishop T.D. Jakes,’ Offering Tranquility for Meditative, Peace-filled Sleep
LOS ANGELES – November 2, 2023 – Pray.com, the No. 1 app for prayer and faith-based audio content, and iHeartMedia, the No. 1 podcast publisher globally according to Podtrac, announce the eagerly anticipated launch of “Sleep Psalms with Bishop T.D. Jakes,” a soothing, spiritual podcast to enlighten, inspire and deepen faith through the timeless wisdom of the Psalms, offering peaceful nights of rest.
“It’s an honor and privilege to work with a multi-generational icon like Bishop T.D. Jakes on a project that helps people battle anxiety, depression, and insomnia,” said Pray.com CEO Steve Gatena. “With Sleep Psalms, we are able to bring God’s grace to those seeking rest and renewal so they can find a pocket of peace before they go to sleep.”
In fact, in a recent study, over 94% of Pray.com subscribers reported that using Pray.com helped to improve their sleep.
Presented by renowned spiritual leader Bishop T.D. Jakes, this podcast ushers listeners into serene reflection and comfort through the beautiful and poetic messages of God’s Word. “Sleep Psalms” features 150 episodes from what many consider the most cherished book in the Bible for restful sleep and renewed strength.
Visionary, provocative thinker and one of the world’s most revered communicators, Bishop T.D. Jakes serves as the CEO & Chairman of the T.D. Jakes Group, a global conglomerate at the intersection of ministry and marketplace; who is also the senior pastor of The Potter’s House, a global humanitarian organization and 30,000-member church headquartered in Dallas. Twice featured on the cover of TIME, Bishop Jakes’ wisdom, care and light shine through his numerous efforts of benevolence, including from within this timely podcast.
“In a world that often feels chaotic, finding solace and rest is difficult for so many people. In fact, it’s one of the biggest challenges I’ve seen in our world today among countless individuals,” shares Bishop Jakes. “This is more than a podcast; it’s a nightly retreat into the embrace of the Divine — an authentic solution for those struggling to find peace.”
Offering a serene haven, “Sleep Psalms with Bishop T.D. Jakes” combats sleep deficiency and its symptoms, from increased risk of chronic illness, to higher probabilities of depression and anxiety, to impaired concentration and diminished quality of life. This profound, tranquil podcast allows listeners to improve their sleep and overall health, readying them to face the challenges of everyday life with wisdom and faith.
“Many people are looking for resources to help instill peace and take a break from their hectic day-to-day lives,” said Will Pearson, President of iHeartPodcasts. “iHeartMedia is thrilled to partner with Pray.com and introduce ‘Sleep Psalms with Bishop T.D. Jakes’ to guide our listeners to superior sleep and unwind from their daily lives.”
In addition to “Sleep Psalms with Bishop T.D. Jakes,” Pray.com hosts podcasts from various leading Christian pastors and speakers, meditative and reflective prayers and Bible-based resources to aid listeners wherever they may be in their spiritual growth journeys. Pray.com podcasts are distributed by iHeartPodcasts.
Find “Sleep Psalms with Bishop T.D. Jakes” and other prayer and faith-based audio content at www.pray.com/podcasts, on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are heard.
About Pray.com
Founded in 2016 with a mission to grow faith and cultivate community, Pray.com is the world’s No. 1 app for daily prayer and Bible-based audio content. It recently launched a 24/7 live streaming video channel, PrayTV. Reaching more than 15 million people worldwide through its mobile app and website, Pray.com is the easiest way to incorporate prayer into your daily life. Pray.com provides encouragement and inspiration through daily devotionals, Pastor podcasts, and Bedtime Bible Stories. Pray.com founders are Steve Gatena, Mchael Lynn, Ryan Beck and Matthew Potter. See more at www.alarryross.com/pray-com.
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Media Contact:
Melany Ethridge
melany@alarryross.com
214-912-8934
New ‘Heroes in the Bible’ Podcast with Dr. Tony Evans Tops Religion Podcast Charts in First Month Sponsored by ACCU
Sponsored by ACCU, series focuses on life of David
LOS ANGELES, Oct. 12, 2023 – Since its release just over a month ago, Pray.com‘s new “Heroes in the Bible” podcast, hosted by Dr. Tony Evans, has ranked No. 1 on Apple’s religion podcast list. Pray.com, the No. 1 app for prayer and faith-based audio and video streaming content, launched the series focused on the life of King David, with new episodes releasing weekly.
“We are so grateful for the overwhelming response to this podcast, knowing that much of the interest is due to Dr. Evans’ esteemed reputation as a Bible teacher and preacher,” said Pray.com’s VP of Content Max Bard. “It's been a privilege partnering and collaborating with Dr. Evans on this impactful series, and it's heartening to see how it resonates with listeners who find parallels with David's challenges.”
The podcast series walks audiences through the lives of impactful biblical characters, inspiring them to consider how the lessons from their stories can be applied to our present-day circumstances. The first series focuses on the life of David, from his humble beginnings to his eventual ascension as king.
Hosted by Dr. Evans, who is recognized as one of the country’s most respected leaders in evangelical circles, this series serves to remind listeners that the same God who strengthened His people back then is the same God who exists and strengthens us today. Those factors, alongside Pray.com’s signature cinematic storytelling, have helped the podcast captivate listeners with the transformative power of the Bible.
As a pastor, teacher, author and speaker, Dr. Evans serves the body of Christ through his unique ability to communicate complex theological truths using simple, yet profound, illustrations. New and veteran pastors alike regard him as a pastor of pastors and a father in the faith. Learn more about Dr. Tony Evans at https://tonyevans.org/.
In addition to “Heroes in the Bible,” Pray.com hosts podcasts from leading Christian pastors and speakers, meditative and reflective prayers and Bible-based resources to aid listeners wherever they may be in their spiritual growth journeys. Find “Heroes in the Bible” and other prayer and faith-based audio content at www.pray.com/podcasts, or on Apple or Spotify.
About Pray.com
Founded in 2016 with a mission to grow faith and cultivate community, Pray.com is the world’s No. 1 app for daily prayer and Bible-based audio content. It recently launched a 24/7 live streaming video channel, PrayTV. Reaching more than 15 million people worldwide through its mobile app and website, Pray.com is the easiest way to incorporate prayer into your daily life. Pray.com provides encouragement and inspiration through daily devotionals, Pastor podcasts, and Bedtime Bible Stories. Pray.com founders are Steve Gatena, Mike Lynn, Ryan Beck and Matthew Potter. See more at www.alarryross.com/pray-com.
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Media Contact:
Melany Ethridge
melany@alarryross.com
214-912-8934
Pray.com Launches ‘Meditative Prayers’ Podcast Hosted by Father-Son Duo, Dr. Tim and Zach Clinton
New Series Underscores Christian Meditation as Integral to Focused Spiritual Life
LOS ANGELES, Sept. 13, 2023 – Pray.com, the No. 1 app for prayer and faith-based content, is excited to announce the launch of “Meditative Prayers” with Dr. Tim and Zach Clinton, focused on combating common struggles, including mental health and relationship issues, with meditative prayer. The Clintons encourage listeners to join them for these meditative prayers that will “help you step out of the pit you may find yourself in and into the purpose and potential God has prepared for your life.”
Mental Health issues are rampant among all sectors of society – including people of devout faith – and come in a variety of forms and degrees. And while one in five adults in the United States live with a mental illness, many do not receive the care they need. Studies have shown that prayer can be helpful with mental health issues, especially conditions such as mild stress or anxiety that aren’t categorized as serious mental illness. This new series underscores Christian meditation as an integral aspect of spiritual self-care, facilitating an unwavering focus on God’s divine presence and the timeless wisdom in His Word.
“When you learn to integrate spiritual disciplines into the most mundane moments of every day, the presence of the Lord gives you strength to overcome the struggles that once seemed impossible,” said series host Dr. Tim Clinton. “We believe that ‘Meditative Prayers’ will be a great tool to help restore peace of mind and center listeners’ focus on the problem solver rather than the problem.”
Dr. Tim Clinton is a renowned therapist and president of the American Association of Christian Counselors, the largest and most diverse Christian counseling association in the world. His son Zach serves as vice president and is founder and host of the Built Different podcast.
“I’m excited to be partnering with my dad on this project, as we each bring a different perspective to many of the issues affecting listeners across both our generations,” Zach said. “We are especially grateful to Pray.com for recognizing the need for this kind of content and working with us to produce such a quality project. We know it will be of immense help to everyone who hears it.”
Some of the themes that will be addressed on the show include anxiety, relationships, anger, parenting, stress and 25 others. There are 210 episodes in the series – seven focused on each theme – releasing weekdays beginning this month. The topics and tone will resonate with both men and women and across all ages. “Meditative Prayers” seeks to lift some of the burdens people are carrying, providing spiritual care aligned with common struggles, taking a holistic approach to renewal of mind, body and spirit.
"We are honored to release ‘Meditative Prayers,’ enriched by the profound insights and expertise of Dr. Tim and Zach Clinton,” said Pray.com VP of Content Max Bard. “This series applies biblical wisdom and spiritual disciplines to draw listeners closer to God, build on relationships, and improve mental health."
In addition to “Meditative Prayers,” Pray.com hosts podcasts from leading Christian pastors and speakers, daily prayers and Bible-based resources to aid listeners wherever they may be in their spiritual growth journeys. Find “Meditative Prayers” and other prayer and faith-based audio content at www.pray.com/discover, or on Apple or Spotify.
About Pray.com
Founded in 2016 with a mission to grow faith and cultivate community, Pray.com is the world’s No. 1 app for daily prayer and Bible-based audio content. Reaching more than 15 million people worldwide through its mobile app and website, Pray.com is the easiest way to incorporate prayer into your daily life. Pray.com provides encouragement and inspiration through daily devotionals, Pastor podcasts, and Bedtime Bible Stories. Pray.com founders are Steve Gatena, Mike Lynn, Ryan Beck and Matthew Potter. See more at www.alarryross.com/pray-com.
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Media Contact:
Melany Ethridge
melany@alarryross.com
214-912-8934
Pray.com Launches ‘Heroes in the Bible’ Podcast Hosted by Dr. Tony Evans
LOS ANGELES, Aug. 24, 2023 – Pray.com, the No. 1 app for prayer and faith-based audio and video streaming content, is thrilled to announce the launch of “Heroes in the Bible” with Dr. Tony Evans, focused on the life of King David. This new series is sponsored by America's Christian Credit Union (ACCU) which, since 1958, has provided banking services to churches, ministries, Christian schools and individuals who belong to these Gospel-centric organizations.
Not only does this podcast walk through the lives of impactful biblical characters, but it also inspires listeners to consider how the lessons from their stories can be applied to our present-day circumstances. The first episode of the series, “Chapter 1: A Rejected God,” lays the foundation for the series, beginning with Saul, the first king of Israel. Further episodes introduce David’s humble beginnings and follow through to his eventual ascension as king. New episodes release weekly beginning this month, with 30 episodes planned.
This series focuses on the extraordinary character hidden within ordinary people, reminding listeners that the same God who strengthened His people back then is the same God who exists and strengthens us today. Dr. Tony Evans shares these incredible experiences through cinematic storytelling that will captivate listeners with the transformative power of the Bible.
“When you understand that the greatness of God affects our ability to handle the ‘giants of life,’ it will encourage, inspire and challenge all of us to our faith in God and our growth in Jesus Christ,” said series host Dr. Evans. “David’s story is one that should, can and will equip every believer to understand that the giants we face don’t have to have the last word in our lives.”
Recognized as one of the country’s most respected leaders in evangelical circles, Dr. Evans is a pastor, teacher, author and speaker, serving the body of Christ through his unique ability to communicate complex theological truths using simple, yet profound, illustrations. New and veteran pastors alike regard him as a pastor of pastors and a father in the faith. “I’m excited to have [listeners] join me on this new podcast, ‘Heroes in the Bible,’” Dr. Evans added. Learn more about Dr. Tony Evans at https://tonyevans.org/.
"We are very honored to release Heroes in the Bible, enriched by the profound insights and expertise of Dr. Tony Evans,” said Pray.com VP of Content Max Bard. “This series innovatively weaves biblical narratives, providing an engaging exploration of Scripture that reveals the intricate interconnections within its events. It promises to enthrall all listeners eager to delve deep into the intricacies of the Bible."
In addition to “Heroes in the Bible,” Pray.com hosts podcasts from leading Christian pastors and speakers, meditative and reflective prayers and Bible-based resources to aid listeners wherever they may be in their spiritual growth journeys. Find “Heroes in the Bible” and other prayer and faith-based audio content at www.pray.com/podcasts, or on Apple or Spotify.
About Pray.com
Founded in 2016 with a mission to grow faith and cultivate community, Pray.com is the world’s No. 1 app for daily prayer and Bible-based audio content. It recently launched a 24/7 live streaming video channel, PrayTV. Reaching more than 15 million people worldwide through its mobile app and website, Pray.com is the easiest way to incorporate prayer into your daily life. Pray.com provides encouragement and inspiration through daily devotionals, Pastor podcasts, and Bedtime Bible Stories. Pray.com founders are Steve Gatena, Mike Lynn, Ryan Beck and Matthew Potter. See more at www.alarryross.com/pray-com.
About Tony Evans
Dr. Tony Evans has served as the senior pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship for over 40 years, witnessing its growth from ten people in 1976 to now over 10,000 congregants with over 100 ministries. Dr. Evans also serves as president of The Urban Alternative, a national ministry that seeks to restore hope and transform lives through the proclamation and the application of the Word of God. His daily radio broadcast, The Alternative with Dr. Tony Evans, can also be heard as a podcast and on the Tony Evans App.
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Media Contact:
Melany Ethridge
melany@alarryross.com
214-912-8934
Pray.com Ranks as #1 Faith-Based Media Company on Inc. 5000 list for 2023
World’s #1 app for daily prayer and faith-based content recognized by Inc. as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies, Top Media Company in Calif.
LOS ANGELES, August 15, 2023 – Inc. revealed today that Pray.com ranks #1 in its market on the 2023 Inc. 5000, as well as #3 in the media industry, #27 in the state and #116 overall on its annual list of the fastest-growing private companies in America. The prestigious ranking provides a data-driven look at the most successful companies within the economy’s most dynamic segment—its independent, entrepreneurial businesses. Facebook, Under Armour and Microsoft are among the household name brands that first gained national exposure as honorees on the Inc. 5000.
“It's the tens of millions of individuals who’ve turned to PRAY that have made this honor possible. On behalf of our incredible team, we want to thank them for trusting us to help them make prayer a priority in their life.” said Pray.com CEO and Founder Steve Gatena. “Not only is this a reflection of the passion of our customers and the diligence of our team, but it speaks to the power of our mission to grow faith, cultivate community, and leave a legacy of helping others.”
With its inspiring growth rate, Pray.com is making significant strides in the realms of private business and ministry. Inc. also awarded PRAY with the Best in Business Award for 2022 and recognized the organization as a Best Workplaces Honoree in 2023. “Being recognized by Inc. 5000 as one of the fastest-growing companies in the U.S. is not just an accolade, it's a testament to the unwavering dedication of our team, the trust of our clients, and our commitment to innovation,” said Pray.com co-founder and CFO Michael Lynn. “As a founder, I've always believed in our mission to grow faith & cultivate community, and this acknowledgment reinforces our belief that we're on the right path. We're not just growing in numbers; we're growing in our passion to make a difference and our drive to achieve even greater milestones in the years to come..”
The Inc. 5000 class of 2023 represents companies that have driven rapid revenue growth while navigating inflationary pressure, the rising costs of capital, and seemingly intractable hiring challenges. “It’s thanks to the amazing team we have been blessed to hire over these past few years that we have been able to make an impact economically and spiritually to our community.,” said Pray.com co-founder and CTO Ryan Beck.
Pray.com co-founder and head of strategic relationships Matthew Potter acknowledges how the company’s commitment to its vision and its partnerships has contributed to its rapid growth. “This achievement fuels our passion to continue innovating, uplifting, and transforming – one prayerful moment at a time,” he said. “At Pray.com, we've not only embraced this journey but also paved the path for pastors to reach millions of people and join in the journey with us. Our team has made a commitment to amplify inspiration, deepen connections, and empower lives. As our team celebrates, we envision an even brighter future, where technology can empower faith, fostering a world where hope finds its voice and touches every soul.”
For complete results of the Inc. 5000, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, location, and other criteria, go to www.inc.com/inc5000. The top 500 companies are featured in the September issue of Inc. magazine, available on newsstands beginning Tuesday, August 23.
About Pray.com
Founded in 2016 with a mission to grow faith and cultivate community, Pray.com is the world’s No. 1 app for daily prayer and Bible based audio content. Reaching more than 12 million people world-wide through its mobile app and website, it is the easiest way to incorporate prayer into your daily life. Pray.com provides encouragement and inspiration through daily devotionals, Pastor podcasts, and Bedtime Bible Stories. Pray.com founders are Steve Gatena, Mike Lynn, Ryan Beck and Matthew Potter. See https://alarryross.com/pray-com for more information.
About the Inc. 5000
Companies on the 2023 Inc. 5000 are ranked according to percentage revenue growth from 2019 to 2022. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2019. They must be U.S.-based, privately held, for-profit, and independent. Inc. Business Media is the leading multimedia brand for entrepreneurs. Its proprietary Inc. 500 list, produced every year since 1982, analyzes company data to rank the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the United States. For more information, visit www.inc.com.
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Media Contacts:
Melany Ethridge
melany@alarryross.com
214-912-8934
Pray.com Launches the ‘Kids’ Bible in a Year,’ Hosted by Julia Jeffress Sadler
LOS ANGELES, July 18, 2023 – Pray.com, the No. 1 app for prayer and faith-based audio and video streaming content, is thrilled to announce the launch of “Kids’ Bible in a Year” with Julie Jeffress Sadler, sponsored by Little Passports, a creative and educational monthly learning subscription for children. “Kids’ Bible in a Year,” an iHeart podcast, features a series of the most beloved and family-friendly biblical teachings—a profound way for children to learn through a joyous and faith-filled audio experience.
“Parents are always on the look-out for great new resources to help grow their children’s faith and knowledge of the Bible,” noted Pray.com VP of Content Max Bard. “We created this series to help families paint a clear picture of who God is, what He’s like and just how much He loves all of his children.”
Voiced by nationally-recognized faith leader Julia Jeffress Sadler and featuring more than 200 biblical stories, these short segments are packed with truth—sure to teach little ones the important points of the Bible’s message. “Kids’ Bible in a Year” runs chronologically through the Bible, from the start of Creation all the way to the Revelation of John.
As a licensed counselor, girls and next-gen minister, TV and radio host, top podcaster, author and mom, Sadler connects with millions of Christians each week across her many media properties. She has a heart of compassion for people to know the transformational love of God through the Bible.
“I am absolutely honored to be hosting this incredible show that helps children adventure through the Bible and know Jesus as their Savior,” expressed Sadler. “As I say at the end of every episode, ‘The Bible is the best story ever told, it’s all true, and it’s all for you.’”
In addition to the creatively presented knowledge in this state-of-the-art podcast, “Kids’ Bible in a Year” is both joyful and captivating. With the remarkable compliments of astounding voiceover professionals and the vibrant music of a 24-piece orchestra, this podcast is specially designed to make knowledge of the Bible both accessible and compelling for children growing in faith.
“The harmonious blend of faith, fun and excitement makes each episode a timeless journey of learning and growth,” Bard added. “Collaborating with Julia and her stellar team has been nothing short of amazing. They’ve done a remarkable job crafting each story to resonate with children and we believe this podcast will be an immersive, entertaining, and educationally enriching experience for young listeners.”
In addition to “Kids’ Bible in a Year,” Pray.com hosts podcasts from leading Christian pastors and speakers, meditative and reflective prayers and Bible-based resources to aid listeners wherever they may be in their spiritual growth journeys. Pray.com podcasts are distributed by iHeartPodcasts.
Find “Kids’ Bible in a Year” and other prayer and faith-based audio content at www.pray.com/podcasts, on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are heard.
About Pray.com
Founded in 2016 with a mission to grow faith and cultivate community, Pray.com is the world’s No. 1 app for daily prayer and Bible-based audio content. It recently launched a 24/7 live streaming video channel, PrayTV. Reaching more than 15 million people worldwide through its mobile app and website, Pray.com is the easiest way to incorporate prayer into your daily life. Pray.com provides encouragement and inspiration through daily devotionals, Pastor podcasts, and Bedtime Bible Stories. Pray.com founders are Steve Gatena, Mike Lynn, Ryan Beck and Matthew Potter. See more at www.alarryross.com/pray-com.
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Media Contact:
Melany Ethridge
melany@alarryross.com
214-912-8934
Pray.com releases PRAY Studio: The Artificial Intelligence Platform for Digital Ministry
LOS ANGELES, June 28, 2023 – Pray.com, the world’s leading app for daily prayer and faith-based content, today announced the launch of PRAY Studio, a suite of full-service digital ministry assistants that saves ministries time and money. PRAY Studio will help ministries develop, enhance and gain insight regarding their efforts with state-of-the-art technology, offloading the most time-consuming, costly tasks of digital ministry so that ministries can focus on their mission.
“PRAY Studio is a game-changer for ministries,” said Steve Gatena, CEO and founder of Pray.com. “It’s the most comprehensive and easy-to-use digital ministry solution on the market. With PRAY Studio, ministries can reach new audiences with the Gospel, grow their ministries, and be better stewards of their God-given resources.”
Pray.com CTO and founder Ryan Beck adds, “PRAY Studio is a powerful tool that increases ministry efficiency and reach, empowering leaders to do more with less. We are grateful for the opportunity to harness these state-of-the-art technologies to help ministries and the Church leapfrog into the current tech trends that are transforming industries, so ministries can focus on what they do best: sharing the love of Christ with people around the world.”
PRAY Studio’s suite of assistants help ministries with a variety of tasks, including:
PRAY Media Assistant edits, manages, and organizes content, as well as automatically creates descriptions, tags, Scripture references, citations, and transcriptions, plus syndicates onto major podcast platforms.
PRAY Translation Assistant uses speech-to-speech technology to automatically translate sermons and other content, whether video, audio or text, into multiple languages.
PRAY Broadcast Assistant helps find new audiences on Pray.com’s exclusive Faith & Family network through channels like Pray Radio, PrayTV, and Podcast platform.
PRAY Marketing Assistant uses our Quantity & Quality framework to automatically generate viral video and audio clips from sermons with accompanying descriptions, and create tags for all social media channels.
PRAY Evangelism Assistant gets messages in front of highly engaged Christian or faith curious audiences at a global, national, and local level with Ministry Matching technology.
PRAY Sermon Assistant helps add cross references, citations, outlines, study guides, and more, using the latest in machine learning to engage with Christian theologians, thinkers and preachers of the past to refine messages.
PRAY Insights Assistant utilizes our world class Data Lakehouse architecture, providing one central location to see all efforts across all major media platforms, with the ability to ask questions and gain insights.
Pray.com founder Matthew Potter speaks to how clients have already benefited from the new digital ministry assistants. “PRAY Studio has empowered ministries with world-class tools that have multiplied 10-fold their downloads, followers, and engagement. We have pastors like Jack Graham, Tony Evans, Andrew Farley, and Ed Young leveraging the power of PRAY Studio to drive over 50 million podcast downloads,” Potter said
PRAY Studio is available. To learn more or sign up, visit pray.com/ministries.
About Pray.com
Pray.com helps people make prayer a priority in their life. Founded in 2016 with a mission to grow faith, cultivate community and leave a legacy of helping others, Pray.com is the world’s No. 1 app for daily prayer and faith-based audio content. Reaching more than 15 million people world-wide through its mobile app and website, it is the easiest way to incorporate prayer into your daily life. Pray.com provides encouragement and inspiration through daily devotionals, Pastor podcasts and Bedtime Bible Stories. Pray.com founders are Steve Gatena, Mike Lynn, Ryan Beck and Matthew Potter. See https://alarryross.com/pray-com for more information.
‘Weekly Wisdom with Jeff Schreve’ Audio Devotional Launches on Pray.com, a New Way to Apply Godly Principles to Everyday Life
‘Weekly Wisdom with Jeff Schreve’ is distributed by iHeartPodcasts
DALLAS, June 12, 2023 – Pray.com, the No. 1 app for daily prayer and faith-based content, launched ‘Weekly Wisdom with Jeff Schreve’ in collaboration with iHeartPodcasts. An audio devotional voiced by Pastor Jeff Schreve, 'Weekly Wisdom' breaks down sections of the Bible, extracting applicable themes and truths that encourage, grow, and enrich believers’ walks with the Lord. Each episode runs at less than 10 minutes, making it easy to listen on-the-go.
“We believe ‘Weekly Wisdom’ will encourage and uplift listeners, amplifying the simple truth of the Gospel,” said Max Bard, Pray.com VP of Content. “We hope the messages will soften and change the hearts of those who have been conditioned to view the Bible as a rule book, rather than living, breathing scripture. We trust the podcast will make the Word a tangible tool for living a godly life.”
Jeff Schreve is lead pastor at First Baptist Church Texarkana, where he has been serving since 2003. He is founder of From His Heart Ministries, a national non-profit started in 2004. He leads the organization’s outreach through evangelical and teaching media. He and his wife Debbie have a growing family of three daughters and four grandkids. Called to preach after a career in sales, Schreve graduated with a Doctor of Ministry from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2014. He is a passionate speaker with great humor, personality and strong enthusiasm about spreading the Gospel.
“It is a great privilege to partner with Pray.com in the ‘Weekly Wisdom Podcast’,” Schreve said. “These short devotionals are designed to help people grow in their knowledge and understanding of the Lord Jesus Christ, God’s only Son and man’s only Savior. My hope is that listeners would be challenged and encouraged to walk by faith and truly become doers of the Word.”
Pray.com founder Steve Gatena adds: “We are honored to partner with Jeff as he voices ‘Weekly Wisdom.’ The core of all we do at Pray.com is emphasizing messages of redemption and grace, and we are confident this podcast will positively reinforce these themes.”
In addition to ‘Weekly Wisdom with Jeff Schreve’, Pray.com hosts podcasts from leading pastors and speakers, meditative and reflective prayers and Bible-based resources to aid listeners wherever they may be in their spiritual growth journeys. Pray.com podcasts are distributed by iHeartPodcasts.
Find “Weekly Wisdom with Jeff Schreve” and other prayer and faith-based content at
www.pray.com/discover, on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are heard.
About Pray.com
Pray.com helps people make prayer a priority in their life. Founded in 2016 with a mission to grow faith, cultivate community and leave a legacy of helping others, Pray.com is the world’s No. 1 app for daily prayer and faith-based audio content. Reaching more than 14 million people world-wide through its mobile app and website, it is the easiest way to incorporate prayer into your daily life. Pray.com provides encouragement and inspiration through daily devotionals, Pastor podcasts and Bedtime Bible Stories. Pray.com founders are Steve Gatena, Mike Lynn, Ryan Beck and Matthew Potter. See https://alarryross.com/pray-com for more information.
Pray.com Ranks Among Highest-Scoring Businesses on Inc. Magazine’s Annual List of Best Workplaces for 2023
Pray named among Best Workplaces in special categories Established Excellence: 5-14 years in business, Prosperous and Thriving: $5MM – $50MM in gross revenue, Micro: Employee size 10-49, and Pacific Region: AK, CA, HI, OR, WA
LOS ANGELES, May 9, 2023 – Pray.com, the No. 1 app for prayer and faith-based audio and video streaming content, has been named to Inc. magazine’s annual Best Workplaces list. Featured in the May/June 2023 issue, which hits newsstands on May 16, 2023, and prominently featured on Inc.com, the list is the result of a comprehensive measurement of American companies that have excelled in creating exceptional workplaces and company culture, whether operating in a physical or virtual facility.
“We are driven by a mission to grow faith, cultivate community, and leave a legacy of helping others” said founder and CEO Steve Gatena. “Since the pandemic broke out, I’ve had the honor and privilege to see people across this company prioritize the mission and the team above their own self interest on a daily basis.”
Pray.com is one of 591 honorees selected this year from a pool of thousands of submissions. Each company that was nominated took part in an employee survey, conducted by Quantum Workplace, which included topics such as management effectiveness, perks, fostering employee growth, and overall company culture. The organization’s benefits were also audited to determine overall score and ranking.
“Being named to Best Workplaces is an honor that only a small fraction of companies have been able to claim,” says Inc.editor-in-chief Scott Omelianuk. “Proving to the world that you’re a magnet for talent and have a culture that keeps teams engaged, productive, and proud to come to work is a truly remarkable achievement.”
About Pray.com
Pray.com helps people make prayer a priority in their life. Founded in 2016 with a mission to grow faith, cultivate community and leave a legacy of helping others, Pray.com is the world’s No. 1 app for daily prayer and faith-based audio content. Reaching more than 12 million people world-wide through its mobile app and website, it is the easiest way to incorporate prayer into your daily life. Pray.com provides encouragement and inspiration through daily devotionals, Pastor podcasts and Bedtime Bible Stories. Pray.com founders are Steve Gatena, Mike Lynn, Ryan Beck and Matthew Potter. See https://alarryross.com/pray-com for more information.
About Inc. Media
The world’s most trusted business-media brand, Inc. offers entrepreneurs the knowledge, tools,connections, and community to build great companies. Its award-winning multiplatform content reaches more than 50 million people each month across a variety of channels including websites, newsletters, social media, podcasts, and print. Its prestigious Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since 1982, analyzes company data to recognize the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the United States. The global recognition that comes with inclusion in the 5000 gives the founders of the best businesses an opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers, and the credibility that helps them drive sales and recruit talent. The associated Inc. 5000 Conference is part of a highly acclaimed portfolio of bespoke events produced by Inc. For more information, visit www.inc.com.
Pray.com to Host National Day of Prayer Livestream May 4
Pray.Com Founders Join Prominent Faith Leaders in Lifting Prayers for the Nation in Annual Observance
LOS ANGELES, May 2, 2023 – Pray.com, the No. 1 app for prayer and faith-based audio and video streaming content, will broadcast the annual National Day of Prayer livestream on Thursday, May 4, at 8 p.m. EDT. Founders Steve Gatena and Matthew Potter will add their prayers for the nation to those of other participants, centered around this year’s theme, “Pray Fervently in Righteousness and Avail Much,” based on Scripture found in James 5:16b: “the effective fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much (NKJV).”
The event will be co-hosted by Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, President of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference and Pastor of New Season Christian Worship Center in Sacramento, Calif., and National Day of Prayer Task Force President Kathy Branzell. Other participants in the line-up of both prayer and worship music include:
Gold Medal Olympian Madeline Manning Mims
Senate Chaplain Barry Black
Congressman Tony Hall
Gateway Church Pastor Robert Morris
Evangelist Nick Hall
Award-winning musician Lecrae
And many more
“We are honored to partner with so many faithful Americans. It’s a joy to lead millions gathered across the country to lift our nation in prayer,” said Pray.com founder and CEO Steve Gatena. “This is such an important day, recognized by Presidential Proclamation, to come together as a people who pray, while recognizing our help comes from God.”
Specific areas that will be prayed for include government, military, education, families, churches, businesses and racial unity. “We each have a role to play in bringing our divided country back together as ‘one nation under God,’ and National Day of Prayer is a great opportunity to unite in prayer for one another and our leadership,” added Matthew Potter, Pray.com cofounder.
This is Pray.com’s fourth year to be a part of the National Day of Prayer, first hosting its own livestream events and now partnering with the official National Day of Prayer Task Force. The event will be broadcast from Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C., and in addition to being live streamed on Pray.com, will be carried on multiple other radio and television networks.
About Pray.com
Founded in 2016 with a mission to grow faith and cultivate community, Pray.com is the world’s No. 1 app for daily prayer and Bible based audio content. Reaching more than 10 million people world-wide through its mobile app and website, it is the easiest way to incorporate prayer into your daily life. Pray.com provides encouragement and inspiration through daily devotionals, Pastor podcasts, and Bedtime Bible Stories. Pray.com founders are Steve Gatena, Mike Lynn, Ryan Beck and Matthew Potter. See https://alarryross.com/pray-com for more information.
About the National Day of Prayer
The National Day of Prayer tradition predates the founding of the United States of America, evidenced by the Continental Congress’ proclamation in 1775 setting aside a day of prayer. In 1952, Congress established an annual day of prayer and, in 1988, that law was amended, designating the National Day of Prayer as the first Thursday in May. For more information, visit www.nationaldayofprayer.org.