As a society, we are always busy and always on the move. So many people don't pray because they are too busy and can't seem to find the time. A good way to remedy that is to start using technology to pray when you're on the go. Finding a few good tools online can really jump start your prayer life. Once you get in the prayer-groove you can move on to spending more time in deeper prayer off-line. Here are seven ways I've found to use technology in my prayer life. I hope you'll join in the conversation and share your ideas!
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We all know that technology can actually be a hindrance to prayer. Spending time scrolling instead of praying is an all too common thing. I am definitely guilty of it myself. However, there are some times when using technology to help you pray can be very beneficial. For example,
- you're on a trip and don't have your usual prayer books
- It's late and you really could use some Adoration time but don't want to go out
- Things haven't been going well lately so you need a good podcast to help you feel better
- Having other people to pray the rosary with makes it easier for you to show up (without having to leave home, of course)
These are just a few ways your prayer life can benefit from technology. I'll give you seven ways that I currently utilize it in my prayer life.
Technology in My Prayer Life
Through Communities
Facebook:
- I am part of a private prayer group made up of women who commit to praying a Memorare for each prayer intention that is posted. There are a lot of prayer groups out there. If you can't find one, why not start your own!
- Many of my friends will leave prayer requests that show up in my feed. I always try to make a concerted effort to offer up even a quick prayer whenever I see them.
Instagram:
- One of the best parts of my morning prayer routine is to join in the live rosary with @manyhailmarysatatime. She has guests every day that join her, as well as hundreds of other people. It is such a great way to start the day. They pray every day at 6:45 am CST. If you can't catch the live, you can pray the rosary with the recorded version.
- I'm not as faithful at praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet every day as I am with the rosary. There are a variety of people who pray it live on Instagram and Facebook. Just search around to find the current ones.
I just love the communities that have built up around these Facebook and Instagram groups. Real life can be better, but if you don't, or can't, facilitate that, then these groups are a great second.
Through Individual Ways
YouTube:
- I love adding some online Adoration into my day when I can't get out to a chapel in real life. Even a few minutes can be a big boost. I've written all about Adoration and my online go-to chapels here.
Podcasts:
- Podcasts are something new that I've added this past year. While I listen to a lot of personal motivation people, my son and I love to listen to Fr. Mike Schmitz's podcasts while we're in the car. It seems like all of the doctor and orthodontist appointments we go to are far away so it's the perfect time to listen to him. You might need to slow him down, but otherwise he's a great guy to help you boost your prayer life.
Apps:
- When I'm in need of a bible verse or other prayers and I'm out of the house, I turn to my Laudate app. It is chock full of good prayers, the daily Mass readings, the rosary and all kinds of other useful prayer stuff.
Leave Your Comments Below
Please go below and let me know what ways you use technology to pray. Do you have a favorite app? What about a YouTube series you love? A certain priest you enjoy listening to? I'm always up for good podcasts to add to my list. Are you on the rosary in the morning? Let me know so we can help build that community feeling.
I'm looking forward to seeing what other people do that are new and interesting!