The Preacher's Wife is an entertaining and uplifting remake of a 1947 film called The Bishop's Wife. Henry Biggs (Courtney B. Vance) is the burnt-out pastor of a Baptist church who calls upon God for help. Dudley (Denzel Washington), an easygoing and optimistic angel, arrives on the wings of his prayer.
Henry is so busy serving the members of his church and helping others in the community that he has no time left for his wife Julia (Whitney Houston) and his young son (Justin Pierre Edmund). Everything seems to come crashing down on his head when the church boiler breaks down and a real estate developer (Gregory Hines) threatens to close the church.
Director Penny Marshall keeps this adult fairy tale afloat with the wonderful singing of Whitney Houston and the choir her character directs. Most of the film's magic moments are provided by Dudley's delight in the simple pleasures of an earthly existence. The Preacher's Wife is an angelic visitor who reminds us to cherish the ones we love for they are the presence of God in our lives.