Ever expect to see those words together in a blog title? Me either, but God is creative and definitely has a sense of humor.
So, I always roll with whatever he sends my way.
Before we jump in, let’s talk briefly about some definitions.
The word “hack” often makes us think of computers or shortcuts, or even something a bit nefarious, but in everyday life it simply means a clever, simple way to make something work better. Today’s “prayer hack” is just that — a small shift that can turn an ordinary habit into a meaningful spiritual practice.
By “newsies,” in today’s context, I simply mean people who tend to keep up with the news and feel the weight of what’s happening around them.
There’s a lot going on in the world today, and so much of it is discouraging and even depressing. I have friends who have chosen to mostly step out of the constant barrage of bad news because it’s affecting their outlook on life, and ultimately how they interact with their family and friends.
Personally, I’m a “middle of the road” newsie. Like my friend, I, too, limit how much death and destruction I can handle on a daily basis. And yet, I feel some responsibility to know what is going on in this world of which I am a citizen.
I saw very little news while I was on my week-long vacation. While that helped me live in my rose-colored glasses world, I did find myself a tad out of touch with current events.
Once back in my routine, I again turned on some morning news to catch the overnight stories, and updates on the big news of the day. In the evening, I catch a few other updates, along with the local news.
That seems to be a nice balance for me. But no judgment here if you fall further to either end of the newsie spectrum.
Now, let’s talk about prayer. Anybody feel like they’ve absolutely nailed that critical element of their Christian walk?
I’ve certainly made progress in this area over the past half century or so. (Yikes! How am I that old?) And God has faithfully helped me to grow in this area in many ways, but I still have this nagging thought that I could do better.
God isn’t looking for “better.” He simply wants us to go to him with our joys, our sorrows, and our petitions for others and their circumstances. And maybe most importantly, go to him with praise for who he is, and gratitude for all he’s done.
A few days ago, as I was watching the morning news recap, I sensed a new prayer idea from God.
Why not pray over the tragedies and heartaches that are front and center on our TV or phone – as we’re watching them?
Wow – what a great way to be very “in the moment” as we learn about circumstances that desperately need prayer support. No need to make a list of these situations because you’re covering them in prayer as you learn of them.
Granted, this doesn’t address all the ways we pray to God, but I felt some sense of comfort knowing I could engage immediately by bringing the need before him.
I would consider this an additional tool in our prayer toolbox. It doesn’t solve every problem, but it does address some of the big stuff.
And the other powerful benefit of praying over the news stories was that they started to lose their ability to affect me negatively. I didn’t feel desperate or depressed – because I was bringing the situation to the only One who could make a difference.
I sensed peace because I turned some impossible circumstances over to God.
Maybe you’ve got your prayer life in good shape and don’t question if there’s a way you could improve upon it. If so, praise God! For those who are more like me, and feel like there’s always something to be learned about conversing with the God of the universe, I hope this might be one way you can deepen your relationship with him.
Let’s collectively take away the power of depressing newscasts!
Devote yourselves to prayer,
being watchful and thankful.
Colossians 4:2
Leave a Reply