Praying At The Computer—Not a Bad Idea!

Recently a Christian man was talking to me and thanking me for keeping the congregation updated on events that affect our members (sickness, death, etc.) The main way we do this is by email. In the midst of his description of checking his email, he said something that got my attention. I don’t remember the exact wording, but it was something to the effect of, “Sometimes I just find myself praying right there at the computer.” I appreciated his words then, but as I thought more about his words, my appreciation for him, and his words, grew.

Computers are such wonderful inventions and help us immensely in the task of communication. They do, of course have their limitations, and there is potential for abuse of them. But just think of the possibilities if we did start to pray in front of our computers—

You could pray as you receive email. Who is sending email to you? Do you belong to discussion groups or chat groups that encourage spiritually unhealthy attitudes or actions? Do you correspond with someone who drags you down spiritually? Are your registered to receive email alerts for weather and other emergencies—and does this cause you to be worried and anxious? Do you receive emails about sickness and concerns within a congregation? —Maybe you should pray about it.

You could pray as you send email. Does the joke you are sending along contain filthy language or thoughts? Is that picture really something you should forward? Have you checked the veracity of the information you are passing on to someone else? Is your manner and language toward the person you are addressing consistent with Christian principles? Don’t punch send too fast— Maybe you should pray about it.

You could pray as you “blog.” The web-log, or “blog” for short, has become the diary and journal of our generation. The difference is that now our thoughts and writings are “out there” for the world to see. When you post, do you say things you wouldn’t normally say in public? Potentially, your thoughts could be seen by anyone. Maybe you should pray about it.

You could pray as you navigate the Internet. There is no doubt about the usefulness and convenience of a computer. But spiritual danger is literally a mouse-click away. The words of Jesus’ model prayer—“lead us not into temptation” might be most appropriate as you log on—Maybe you should pray about it. —Lance Cordle