Denzel Washington displays deep faith while filming 'Roman J. Israel, Esq.'

Denzel Washington prays and reads everyday on the set of 'Roman J. Israel, Esq.' Here, the actor arrives for a photocall to promote 'The Equalizer' on the first day of the 62nd San Sebastian Film Festival on September 19, 2014. (PHOTO: Reuters/Vincent West)

Hollywood isn't the easiest place to showcase Christianity, but Academy Award-winning actor Denzel Washington is defying the norm by praying and reading the Bible every day while filming "Roman J. Israel, Esq." together with producer and writer Dan Gilroy.

"God put us together," Washington told the Gospel Herald about their shared faith on set. "We prayed every day, we read the daily Word every day. Dan and I have been prayer partners in this whole collaboration... We were on the same page from day one. We know Who we work for, and we're just trying to do our best work."

Roman J. Israel, Esq.," which also stars Colin Farrell and Carmen Ejogo, tells the story of a defense attorney named Roman (Washington) whose beliefs are put to the test when an unexpected series of events gets in the way of his mission of helping the poor.

"He is Old Testament, he knows the law, but, not to say he doesn't have faith, but he has faith in the law," Washington shared about his character. "His conviction was through the law."

The film isn't faith-based, but Washington said it's filled with biblical themes such as sacrifice, honor, and faith in the unseen. The actor is proud that he gets to tell that story and encourage people to dedicate their lives to God. "I speak now and I'm doing what God told me to do from the beginning," Washington said. "It was prophesied that I would travel the world and preach to millions of people. It was prophesied when I was 20. I thought it was through my work and it has been."

"My mother said to me when I was 59, she said, 'Denzel, you do a lot of good. You have to do good the right way and you know what I'm talking about,'" Washington continued. "I don't drink anymore, I don't do any of those things. I'm all about the message, to the degree that I know it, and I'm unashamed and unafraid to share it!"

Meanwhile, in a separate interview with CBN News, Washington said that faith without action amounts to nothing. "So, not everybody has to be an activist," he explained. "A woman prophesied years and years ago that I would travel the world and preach to millions of people. I asked my pastor, 'Does that mean I am supposed to be a preacher?' He says, 'No you already have a pulpit.'"

That pulpit, according to Washington, is filmmaking. "That's what I'm all about now. I'm in the service business," he said.

related articles
\'Fences\' Star Viola Davis Thanks God And Co-Star Denzel Washington After Winning Oscar
'Fences' Star Viola Davis Thanks God And Co-Star Denzel Washington After Winning Oscar

'Fences' Star Viola Davis Thanks God And Co-Star Denzel Washington After Winning Oscar

7 celebrities you might not have known are Christian
7 celebrities you might not have known are Christian

7 celebrities you might not have known are Christian

Denzel Washington plays down celebrity status, says he's just a 'God-fearing man who was raised right'
Denzel Washington plays down celebrity status, says he's just a 'God-fearing man who was raised right'

Denzel Washington plays down celebrity status, says he's just a 'God-fearing man who was raised right'

News
US religious groups challenge new immigrant enforcement policies
US religious groups challenge new immigrant enforcement policies

A United States Federal Judge has granted an injunction that will prevent immigration agents from carrying out operations in places of worship after a group of religious organisations launched a lawsuit against the Trump administration over new enforcement policies.

Gyles Brandreth joins campaign to end avoidable sight loss
Gyles Brandreth joins campaign to end avoidable sight loss

Gyles Brandreth has thrown his support behind CBM UK’s campaign to end avoidable sight loss.

Church leaders call for 'rethink' of school closures in Ramadan
Church leaders call for 'rethink' of school closures in Ramadan

“We urge the governors of the affected states to reconsider this decision and explore alternative arrangements that respect the rights and freedoms of all citizens.”

Bangor celebrates 1,500 years by honouring cathedral
Bangor celebrates 1,500 years by honouring cathedral

Bangor Cathedral's central role in the city's 1,500 year history will be formally recognised