Yes, I am indeed aware of the irony of the situation you and I are in right now.

We are looking at a screen.

Again.

Or, still.

Without any further comment from me, I yield my humble space here to Nadia Bolz-Webber

---

A prayer for trying to stay off the internet more

NADIA BOLZ-WEBER

I wrote this prayer this morning after waking up and mindlessly scrolling for 45 minutes. Then, I went on a long walk around my neighborhood, trying to really pay attention for once. these are just some of the flowers that were there for the beholding.

Almighty God, 

Creator of all things, including all those Spring flowers that I haven’t spent enough time appreciating because I think for some reason that doom-scrolling is a better use of my time,

I’ve cut down some, but it doesn’t seem to be enough, so I beseech thee to grant me the will to get off the internet more. You and I both know that the last thing I need is to watch another inane video, read another hot take, or buy any more shit I absolutely do not need.

In your infinite mercy, guide me away:

…from the virtual and into the actual

…from feared tomorrows into this only now

…from what I see on a screen to what I behold in my life

…from what I am manipulated to desire to what I am content to have.

When my “will power” fails me yet again, may the strength of your hand keep my own from mindlessly picking up my phone or opening my laptop.

Guide me to what is most real, because you know, O Lord, how unsuited my heart is for the artificial.

And finally, in your infinite mercy, forgive me for the hypocrisy of posting this online.

Amen.