Pop star Katy Perry—once an up-and-coming gospel singer—said recently she’s “never felt closer to God” than when she recorded her latest album, Witness.

She told Paper magazine the 15-track project, which debuted in June 2017, was like “10 years of therapy in one week,” an experience that led her to feel “so much release and relief.”

Perry, whose birth name is Katheryn Hudson, said she grew up in a Christian “bubble” — both of her parents are evangelists — but always found herself probing for answers to her faith’s biggest questions. {eoa}

Click here to read the rest of this story from our content partners at Faithwire.

You probably recognize her as Shuri, the sassy sister of T’Challa in Black Panther.

But before she landed the biggest role of her career, Letitia Wright grounded herself in the Word of God.

“I identify myself as a child of God, and I can’t get up here without thanking God,” Wright told the crowd Sunday as she accepted the Rising Star award at the British Academy Film Awards, or BAFTA.

“I want to thank everybody who said yes to me, that gave me a chance, and just saw my talent and saw what God placed in me, and said ‘yes,'” Wright said. “I want to encourage young people. You don’t have to be young, you can be any age, but I want to encourage you—anyone going through a hard time … God made you and you’re important,” the actress declared. “There might be some of you here who might be going through a hard time. I just want to encourage you and God loves you. Just let your light shine.”

Watch the video to see her full speech.

Louisiana State Rep. Katrina Jackson, a Democrat, put her faith above partisan lines in a powerful pro-life speech.

“They ask me, ‘Why are you a Democrat fighting for life?’ I said, ‘Because I’m a Christian first!'”

Jackson delivered the speech last month at the March for Life.

“God hates the shedding of innocent blood,” Jackson said. “There’s no blood more innocent than an unborn child who’s never sinned.”

Watch the video to see the rest of her convicting speech.

Mike Bickle detested praying.

“I said, ‘I shall do anything but prayer. Please, not this,'” Bickle says.

Seems ironic given that he founded one of the largest prayer movements in the world.

Despite his personal feelings, he forced himself into an intercessory habit.

“I’m just really being straightforward; I hated it,” Bickle says. “I would pray an hour a day, and it would be the most miserable hour. I remember saying, ‘Lord, if I’ve got to do this to be a man of God, I’m never going to make it.’ If an angel would have appeared to me that 40-plus years ago and said, ‘Yeah, young man of God, one day you’ll have a 24-hour-a-day prayer ministry,’ I would have just collapsed in despair.”

Twenty years ago, though, Bickle launched the International House of Prayer and never looked back. Literally. It’s gone non-stop every minute for the last 20 years.

Now, he has tips for the rest of us who want to be people of prayer but just can’t quite seem to grasp it.

“One key part of prayer is, and everyone can’t have this part, but whenever you can, I encourage it, is having anointed music be a part of it. That’s not critical, but boy, if you can have anointed music involved, prayer is way more enjoyable. So, that’s one,” he says.

Listen to the podcast for the rest.

Bishop T.D. Jakes of Potter’s House says it is critical for pastors to learn how to work with business leaders if they want the church to move forward financially.

“Frankly, I don’t see how you can do much without it,” Jakes tells Dr. Steve Greene in an episode of “Greenelines” on the Charisma Podcast Network.

“Anything beyond the four walls of a sanctuary, you’re going to bump into business,” Jakes says. “If you’re going to be on the radio, you’re going to bump into a need to have a business acumen. If you’re going to be on TV, If you’re going to be streaming, if you’re going to do internet … before long, you’re going to run into something that requires something beyond understanding Genesis to Revelation.

“I think it’s very critical that partnerships begin to emerge between businesspeople and faith leaders in order to propel, not only the vision of Christ in the ministry, but as a leader in the corporate world, I think having somebody whom you can trust to talk to is invaluable.”

How do you start these relationships? Listen to the podcast for key tips!

Kari Jobe is among those who drew a giant red X on her hand today to raise awareness of human trafficking.

Feb. 7, 2019, is Shine a Light on Slavery Day, and the End It Movement created a universal symbol to raise awareness.

According to the End It Movement’s site, “Drawing a RED X on your hand may seem simple at first, but you’ll be amazed at the conversations it prompts with everyone from your boss to your barista; conversations that educate and inspire the people in your circles one by one. After all, action starts with awareness.”

The End It Movement “is a coalition of the leading organizations in the world in the fight for freedom. Each of our amazing coalition partners are doing the work, on the ground, every day, to bring awareness prevention, rescue, and restoration. Joined by students and Senators, Nonprofits and Fortune 500s, END IT is each of us standing for what’s right until the number of men, women, and children suffering in silence moves from 40 million, to ZERO.”

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Sadly, OVER 40 million people are trapped in slavery around the world today. That’s why I’m in it to END IT. Help raise awareness with us today to let the world know slavery still exists. Post a pic using a red ⌠and include #enditmovement. Awareness leads to ACTION!

A post shared by Kari Jobe (@karijobe) on Feb 7, 2019 at 7:04am PST

Along with Jobe, thousands of people have drawn the X and posted it to social media to raise awareness. Check it out.

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Today and everyday, we are in it to #ENDIT. Over the last 11 years of @a21, together we have seen millions reached, and thousands identified, assisted, and restored. @nickcaine and I are deeply committed to playing our part to ending this injustice across the globe. Today we raise our voices together with our friends @enditmovement for the millions of people still enslaved in the world today. #enditmovement âŒ

A post shared by Christine Caine (@christinecaine) on Feb 7, 2019 at 6:33am PST

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40 million people trapped in slavery. Nearly 1 in 4 victims is a child. TOMORROW: We will STAND for what’s right until the number of men, women and children suffering in silence moves from 40 million, to ZERO. Tag two people who are ready to END IT. âŒ#enditmovement

A post shared by END IT MOVEMENT (@enditmovement) on Feb 6, 2019 at 3:00pm PST

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Slavery still exists in 2019, and we aren’t okay with it. #enditmovement⌠#freedomfighters #shinealightonslavery #dosomething

A post shared by Kristin Eckman (@kristinwaslike) on Feb 7, 2019 at 6:09am PST

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Thankful for all those who are in it to end it! Join me and many others who are shedding light to slavery today. Learn more and get involved at @enditmovement #enditmovement #enditmovementâŒ

A post shared by Craig Groeschel (@craiggroeschel) on Feb 7, 2019 at 4:00am PST

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I CANNOT BELIEVE ITS 2018 and there are 40 million victims of modern slavery in the world. People are trafficked across international borders every year, of which 80% are female and half are children. THIS HAPPENES IN THE US TOO. Btwn 14,500 and 17,500 people are trafficked into the U.S. each year. Human trafficking is the third largest international crime industry (behind illegal drugs and arms trafficking). It generates a profit of $32 billion every year. Of that number, $15.5 billion is made in industrialized countries. This is why I support the #enditmovement. They have people on the ground, in the streets, busting down doors, manning hotlines, prosecuting traffickers, and FREEING PEOPLE. Creative systematic change. Here in the US and all around the world. #enditmovementâŒ

A post shared by kristen bell (@kristenanniebell) on Feb 22, 2018 at 2:44pm PST

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// e n d i t // Tragically, there are more men, women and children trapped in slavery today than at any time in history. I’m in it to end it! ⌠@enditmovement #enditmovement

A post shared by Louie Giglio (@louiegiglio) on Feb 7, 2019 at 7:10am PST

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Join me in drawing a RED X on your hand today to SHINE A LIGHT on slavery! Awareness is doing work, but that’s only the beginning ⌠#enditmovement

A post shared by Crowder (@crowder) on Feb 7, 2019 at 6:15am PST

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Over 40 million people are trapped in slavery around the world today. That’s why I’m in it to END IT. Help raise awareness with me to let the world know slavery still exists. Post a pic using a red ⌠and include #enditmovement. Awareness leads to ACTION!

A post shared by K A R L I R Y A N M Y E R S (@karli_myers) on Feb 7, 2019 at 6:39am PST

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Slavery STILL exists!! We must know, we must care, we must raise our voice and we must fight for FREEDOM. #enditmovementâŒ

A post shared by Brad Jones (@jonesbrad10) on Feb 7, 2019 at 8:31am PST

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I stand along side @enditmovement and @a21 to raise awareness and take action to end the trafficking of MILLIONS of people every year all over the world. It’s modern day slavery! Both these amazing orgs work to systematically end illegal trafficking by creating safe houses, working with authorities, and working to change legislation. Go to @enditmovement to get involved in the fight #enditmovement⌠#Repost @kristenanniebell ・・・ I CANNOT BELIEVE ITS 2018 and there are 40 million victims of modern slavery in the world. People are trafficked across international borders every year, of which 80% are female and half are children. THIS HAPPENES IN THE US TOO. Btwn 14,500 and 17,500 people are trafficked into the U.S. each year. Human trafficking is the third largest international crime industry (behind illegal drugs and arms trafficking). It generates a profit of $32 billion every year. Of that number, $15.5 billion is made in industrialized countries. This is why I support the #enditmovement. They have people on the ground, in the streets, busting down doors, manning hotlines, prosecuting traffickers, and FREEING PEOPLE. Creative systematic change. Here in the US and all around the world.

A post shared by AnnaSophia Robb (@annasophiarobb) on Feb 22, 2018 at 6:59pm PST

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Have you ever had something shake your soul? The reality that humans are being sold by other humans for sex and labor wrecks me every day. There is so much work to be done to end human trafficking, and it’s time that we own this injustice as a global community in order to end it . • • • In exactly one month, on Saturday, October 20th (10am-12pm) the city of Cleveland is joining over 600+ cities all over the world for the WALK FOR FREEDOM in Lincoln Park in Tremont! • • • My hope is that we have hundreds show up for this walk as we stand up for those who are trapped in modern day slavery. My goal is to raise $2000, because I know every dollar affects a life and equips @a21 to rescue those enslaved. If you’re interested in partnering with me, see the link in my bio to sign up to walk with my team (Breakthrough CLE) or donate! • • • Every life matters. Together, we will abolish slavery with each step. #walkforfreedom #humantrafficking #moderndayslavery #a21 #enditmovementâŒ

A post shared by Megan Gallagher (@) on Sep 20, 2018 at 11:01am PDT

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It is officially “SHINE A LIGHT ON SLAVERY DAY IN THE WEST. Post your pic with a RED ⌠and tag us & use these hashtags. Join us and others who are shedding light on slavery & human trafficking. Thankful for all those who are in it to end it. #enditmovement #enditmovement⌠@enditmovement #mvhslife

A post shared by Mountain View High Loveland (@) on Feb 7, 2019 at 8:45am PST

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Slavery is illegal in every country on earth, but still exists in 167 (87%) of them. 40 million men, women, and children are enslaved around the world today – THIS IS NOT OKAY. Today is shine a light on slavery day. Join me by drawing a ⌠on your hand to start conversations and bring awareness to those around you. Check out @enditmovement to learn more. #enditmovement #enditmovementâŒ

A post shared by Ashton Briggs (@ashtondbriggs) on Feb 7, 2019 at 8:39am PST

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#enditmovementâŒ

A post shared by â˜„ï¸ (@) on Feb 7, 2019 at 8:38am PST

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TOGETHER we can E N D I T @enditmovement ⌠#freedomfighter #enditmovementâŒ

A post shared by Kevster N’Guy (@kamilllionaire) on Feb 7, 2019 at 8:38am PST

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On this End It Movement Day, the Lancaster Campus of X Church is standing with those who cannot stand for themselves. Christ left the 99 for those represented by the red X. #enditmovement⌠#xchurch

A post shared by Steve Rauch (@smokey_rauch) on Feb 7, 2019 at 8:37am PST

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#enditmovement⌠Shine a Light on Slavery Day

A post shared by Dana Self (@dself24) on Feb 7, 2019 at 8:34am PST

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Join me and others who are shedding light on slavery & human trafficking. Thankful for all those who are in it to end it. I personally have friends around the world actively to stop this. #enditmovement #enditmovement⌠@enditmovement

A post shared by The Well – Church Loveland (@thewellloveland) on Feb 7, 2019 at 8:34am PST

President Donald Trump addressed the National Prayer Breakfast this morning at the Hilton Hotel in Washington, reaffirming his pro-life policies.

“All children, born and unborn, are made in the holy image of God,” Trump said, reiterating a line he told the nation during the State of the Union Address on Tuesday.

“Since the founding of our nation, many of our greatest strides, from gaining our independence to abolition of civil rights, to extending the vote for women, have been led by people of faith and started in prayer,” Trump said.

Watch the video to see his full remarks.

The Presidential Prayer Breakfast, now the National Prayer Breakfast, began under Dwight D. Eisenhower more than 65 years ago. Since 1953, Congress and evangelical Christians have gathered on the first Thursday in February to discuss the role of faith in public life.

According to USA Today, the event also offers a rare opportunity for presidents to pray, ask for prayers and talk in personal terms about the role of prayer in their own lives.

At last year’s prayer breakfast, Trump told the crowd:

So today we praise God for how truly blessed we are to be American. Across our land, we see the splendor of God’s creation. Throughout our history, we see the story of God’s providence. And in every city and town, we see the Lord’s grace all around us, through a million acts of kindness, courage and generosity. We love God. We see the Lord’s grace in the servicemembers who risk their lives for our freedom. We see it in the teachers who work tirelessly for their students and the police who sacrifice for our communities, and sacrifice they do. And we see the Lord’s grace in the moms and dads who work two and three jobs to give their children the chance for a better and much more prosperous and happier life.

As the Bible tells us, for we are God’s handiwork, created in Jesus Christ to do good works. America’s heroes rise to this calling. In their selfless deeds, they reveal the beauty and goodness of the human soul.

Charisma News will update this story as full remarks become available.

The Supreme Court is weighing a decision in Louisiana that mandates abortion providers have admitting privileges at a hospital within 30 miles of the clinic.

The law was set to go into effect Monday but is halted through today. If the Supreme Court did not overrule the law, some people believe it could be the beginning of the end for Roe V. Wade.

According to NBC News:

• An abortion law that was set to go into effect in Louisiana on Monday was temporarily put on hold, as the U.S. Supreme Court seeks to buy itself more time amid a rushed flurry of briefs and notices.
• Despite the court’s action, women seeking abortions are being turned away and sent to other states, and medical procedures have been canceled amid the confusion, according to court documents filed by the Center for Reproductive Rights, which is representing two doctors and an abortion clinic in the case.
• The case is shaping up to be an important test of President Donald Trump’s two appointees to the high court, Justices Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh.

Justice Samuel Alito noted in his brief order that the justices need time to review the filings in the case and the order “does not reflect any view regarding the merits of the petition for a writ of certiorari that applicants represent they will file.”

Natalie and Matthew Brumfield, major pro-life leaders, released a worship set praying into and prophesying over the decision.

“We declare this over America,” Natalie prays. “As your intercessors, Lord, as your watchmen on the wall … we stand before You and we plead your powerful blood over our nation, over the United States Supreme Court, over all of the justices that have been appointed to those nine seats. We plead the blood over the courthouse. We plead the blood over our nation, and we claim our sonship.”

Watch the video to worship and pray with them.

“It’s not about us. It’s about Jesus and what He has done and continues to do in us.”

Meet Kimberly Zember, a key leader in the Freedom March, a movement of men and women who have left the LGBTQ community to follow Jesus. They hold marches around the country to share their testimonies.

“He deserves the honor,” Zember says. “He deserves the platform, and that’s what these Freedom Marches are. It’s not hate. It’s not judgment. We’re just honored to share what the Lord continues to do in our lives. I believe that in a time like this, the world needs to hear this message.”

The first time I met Zember, we were in the back room of a Panera near my office. She’s a California girl to the core, down to the sun-streaked blonde hair, fit body and casual attitude.

I wasn’t sure what to make of her, but when another woman asked for prayer, I felt the Holy Spirit move.

Zember stood up, arms outstretched, and began speaking in tongues.

When Charisma News launched the “Overcomer: Leaving LGBT” series, I knew I wanted to have her on the show. There’s something piercingly honest about her story that shows you how the Lord is moving right now.

From California to Ethiopia, from marriage to divorce, from secret desires to the manifestation of sin, the Lord stayed with her.

Listen to the podcast to hear for yourself.

Click here to find out more about Zember.

Up until five years ago, Alec Penix says he had darkened the church door maybe once. But all that changed when he encountered the Lord after the wedding of Carlos and Alexa Pena-Vega.

“I identify it as me being spiritually malnourished,” Penix tells “C-Pop,” the Christian pop-culture podcast. “I was in a state of disposition of low spirits for most of my 20s to figure things out, searching and having a sense of curiosity. That’s the one gift God really gave me … to be able to really tap into that curiosity.”

Penix embraced the lackadaisical faith approach through the Pena-Vega wedding, when everything changed.

“I woke up, feeling terrible and not feeling myself at all. I was probably in one of the darkest places in my life, and I tell people that this was probably the first time I’ve ever prayed out loud. I called out for God’s help, saying, ‘I need your help!’

“Then—this is where people think I’m crazy—but I heard a voice, and it said, ‘Alec, it’s time for you to become the man I’ve called you to be.'”

Listen to the podcast to hear what happened next.