ABSTRACT
This chapter considers how the spiritual practice of prayer is represented in the reality program Answered Prayers. It suggests that the program, in keeping with neoliberal values expressed by mainstream media, asserts that the individual is responsible for his or her own salvation and agency in being part of a miracle. The "invisible hand" of God is depicted remarkably like the "invisible hand" of the neoliberal economic market, whereby hard work, dedication, and individual agency in both contexts is key to achieving one's desired outcome. The chapter addresses how Roma Downey and Mark Burnett's objectives of spiritual development and economic success are simultaneously packaged in this program, together with how the contemporary neoliberal agenda is supported. It looks at the kinds of prayers and situations featured in the program illustrates how the concept of spirituality and faith coincides with that of the pervasive neoliberal economy.
