Prayer lists for smartphones
Here’s an inspiring blog from one of our favorite bloggers, Avia Venefica.
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A while ago, I visited Our Lady of Victory Basilica, an impressive shrine and Roman Catholic parish. The founder of this national landmark was Father Nelson Baker.
There’s a museum in the shrine, guiding visitors through highlights of Father Baker’s remarkable life. As I ambled through the time line of Father Baker’s accomplishments, I was struck by his selfless motivations, and how much progress he made for his charitable missions.
What most intrigued me about the Father Baker museum was a display showing visitors the items Baker typically carried in his pockets: Coins to give out to the poor, hard candies for hopeful children he passed, his rosary.
My eyes were drawn to a heap of plain leather-bound pocket books, each filled with name, after name, after name, after name.
These were his prayer books; he carried one with him at all times. I could see where he’d placed a single straight line through each name as he completed his prayer on behalf of Mrs. Martin, Bobby Tullesman, Mr. O’Connell, Danny Upton, and the names went on and on, a line through each, indicating prayerful supplication had been offered to each individual.
While I was ogling Father Baker’s prayer books held in the thick glass case, my Blackberry buzzed in my back pocket, my brother wanting to know my uncle’s new phone number.
I scrolled through all the contacts on my phone, and I was hit with an idea.
My concept of prayer is much more amorphous than Father Baker’s, but I could see how his prayer-lists could provide much-needed structure.
After seeing Baker’s lists and lists of prayer requests written in those tiny black books, it occurred to me the same structure could be employed with my Blackberry.
Prompted by Father Baker’s diligent commitment to prayer (and my brother’s phone call), I started using my Blackberry contacts list as a prayer list. Every morning after meditation, I scroll through my contacts and offer a simple prayer of well-being for each person. I have a supplemental list on my Blackberry for additional prayer requests and I roll my prayerful ruminations over this list too.
It’s a clever use of today’s technology. An ideal way to send everybody some extra energetic jive-juice for their day. A structured method of including (and not forgetting) everyone in my thoughts, and sending them sincere heart-vibes.
Maybe you could give it a try too. Pull out your iPhones, Blackberry’s and Droid’s. Roll through your contact lists and interject a heartfelt “be well” sentiment to each person on your list. It just takes a few seconds. Skim through and see everyone in your contact list as healthy, whole and smiling. Easy-peasy.
(8 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
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I love this!
What a wonderful way to mix the modern- cell phones- with spirituality… Our lives are so busy- hence the wonderful smartphones which allow us to read emails on the go and connect with others in an instance.
I think this is a wonderful idea- take some time each day, when you have a minmute and send light and love to the people in your contact list- not only are these people in your contact list- they are people you have had or still have a connection with- and if you believe that every person comes into your life for a reason and you learn for every single person you meet- I think this is a great way to thank them
Synchronicity! Last week found myself needing to send Reiki/prayers to several people at once, with limited time – but they all lived in my cell phone! So, while on a bus, I sent good vibrations to everyone in the palm of my hand. Hadn’t thought about doing that routinely, but what a great idea. Thank you!
What a Go(o)d Idea!
Thank you so much for this inspiration. It will encourage me to branch out a little!
This is awesome! Avia, you never cease to amaze me. Just read this by way of your “Gentle and Small” post on your symbolic meanings blog. Every day of the year is a perfect time to be thankful, and pray for our loved ones, but with Thanksgiving coming up, I found the post on your blog, and this post on Colette’s blog to be quadruply meaningful. Thanks!
What a great idea! It’s simple, practical and takes no effort at all. A nice way to help someone and feel good within oneself. Thanks for inspiring me.
What a creative, inspiring and thoughtful loving idea!
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