Praying the news to avert despair
Some parishes already do this more formally by bringing current events into the prayers of the faithful at Mass. The congregation may pray for those affected by war around the world, for our political leaders and for those of the parish who are sick or who have died. We can bring our own personal, but also national and international, concerns to community prayer as well.
But I also have made it a practice to bring prayer to my morning and evening perusal of the news, usually via Facebook. Using author Anne Lamott’s formula of Help, Thanks, Wow (the title of her new book), I note the news for which I want to offer prayers of petition, gratitude or praise. Sometimes I do this prayer after I’ve closed my computer; other times I just pray right along as I read.
Prayers a a means to increasing motivation to work for change…
In this spirit she writes…Prayer is a way of bringing and keeping an intention in your attention, which is likely to lead to the desire and motivation to work for change, healing or growth.
Praying the news also can prevent a despair that leads to loss of hope. News consumption can become an occasion of this sin, if we’re not careful. The best way to avoid being overwhelmed and numbed by all the bad news in the world is to stay in contact with the bearer of the good news.
[Heidi Schlumpf can be found at Facebook and on Twitter, where you can like [1] and follow [2] her.]
Tags: ncr