When it comes to technology and your phone, most of the time all you hear is the negative things about the device in your pocket. However, we all know that there are some really great tools that make our phones amazing. Like anything in life, this tool can be used for good and evil, and it is up to us to choose how we want to use it. The past few years I have learned some great ways to use our phones for good when it comes to prayer.
Have you ever had someone ask you to pray for something going on in his or her life and forgotten? Have you ever told someone, “I’ll pray for you,” only to go about your day and not think about it again? How about this one — at the New Year, you commit to pray for your kids and spouse everyday, but after two weeks it becomes sporadic and inconsistent. We don’t do this maliciously, life simply gets in the way and we forget sometimes.
When it comes to prayer and your phone, we want to challenge you to use your device to actually help you pray for those you love.
No need to try and figure out the App Store or download something new — these apps already come on your phone. All it takes from you is being intentional and creating some new habits with these simple hacks.
1. Calendar App
Have you ever been in conversation with someone and found out he or she will have surgery in a few weeks? Have your kids ever told you that they have a big test next Friday that they’re worried about? This one should be a no-brainer — pull out your phone and add these to your calendars and set an alert! It’s ok to pull out your phone in that moment and even ask for more details and let your kids or spouse know, “I’m adding this to my calendar to remind me to pray for you.” This simple step of intentionality will not only speak volumes to your loved ones but it will also remind you to pray.
2. Clock App or Alarm App
Using your alarm app you can set daily, weekly, and custom reminders for you to pray. For example, you can set a reminder everyday at 3:00 PM to pray for your kids. (Make sure it’s a silent alarm if you are at work!) Set an everyday reminder to pray for your spouse at noon. Take the next step and have a conversation about it with your spouse, and commit to pray for each other at noon every day! You both set reminders on your phone and everyday at noon, you know they are praying for you and you are praying for them. It’s that simple.
3. Messaging App
If you put something in your calendar with time specific alerts, after you pray for them, send them a text. “Hey, just wanted you to know I prayed for you and the big test today.” As simple as this sounds, it is powerful and important. One cool feature in the iPhone is that you can actually record a voice message and text it out to someone. Record a quick prayer and send it to them. This is taking the next step of saying “I’ll pray for you,” and actually doing it! I have seen first hand how powerful this step is in praying for those you love. Just knowing someone is thinking of you and praying for you can change your day. This is a practical step for encouragement, love and support for whatever they needed prayer for.
4. Phone Calling App
It’s hard to believe, but we forget often that our phones actually can call people. Have you ever gone through your day and for some reason you keep thinking about your aunt that lives two states away? Your mind continues to bring up thoughts and memories of them? I like to think the Holy Spirit may have put them on your mind and heart. Call them to see. Simply call and say, “Was thinking about you today and just wanted to call and say hello.” So many times when this happens, there is a reason. However, even if there is no reason and they are doing well, it’s a wonderful way to connect. The second way to use prayer through the phone app is that most people don’t answer their phones, and it goes straight to voicemail. Leave them a prayer in the voicemail! This doesn’t have to be long six minute voicemail, but short and sweet.
These are all just simple ways for you to be more intentional with praying for your family. It will take some time to create some new habits, but the power of prayer in your home is one of the greatest blessings you can give.
