Lately I’ve had a strong desire to pray for our children; young children, adult children, and everyone in-between. We need to pray for parents too; that they not be afraid to parent and set a good example. This need was solidified for me this week.
In church last Sunday I was appalled to see the 12-year-old boy sitting next to me texting on his cell-phone all through Mass. When he wasn’t texting, he was trying to engage those around him in conversation. Just when I thought it couldn’t get worse, he actually answered his phone and started talking during communion! Really?!! Did he realize that he was in the house of the Lord?
Later on in the week I went to Eucharistic Adoration. As expected, there was an assigned adult in the chapel who was with her husband. I was enjoying the quiet when the husband’s cell phone vibrated. Okay, not so bad. A few minutes later his phone rang, and he answered it! Less than 10 minutes later, it rang again, and once again, he answered it! Really!?! Did he realize that he was not only in the house of the Lord but directly in His presence? Were those calls more important? Can we not part from our electronic leash even 1 hour to be with the Lord?!!
This made me think. How much time is being stolen from your life by electronics such as television, computer, social networking sites, Wii, Xbox, Gameboy, iPhone, etc.? What is it keeping YOU from that is ultimately more important??
I would like to challenge everyone today to exchange at least 15 minutes of “screen time” for 15 minutes of prayer time. Pray for our children who are bombarded with negative messages/images on all these screens. Pray that their innocence be preserved. Pray for our teenagers who are under incredible cultural pressure to be sexualized. Pray for our young adults that they not cave in to the societal norm of living with their boyfriend/girlfriend. Pray for parents that they not embrace these same negative messages themselves. Pray also that parents not be afraid to parent. May they be blessed with the grace to speak the truth in love.
As for me, far be it from me to sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you and to teach you the good and right way.
1Sam 12:23
All positive change begins and ends with prayer. Prayer does make a difference. Continue to pray for the family.
Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet
