Smart Phones, Prayer and Kidneys

Apr 15 2015 Smart Phones, Prayer and Kidneys

“One servant is worth a thousand gadgets”

~Joseph Schumpeter

I recently heard a radio DJ ask, “If you had to choose between your smartphone or one of your kidneys, what would it be?” I listened as callers reported their choices, most saying they would rather lose a kidney than their smartphone. This is a telling commentary on where we have come in our society in such a short time. We’ve become addicted to those mini-computers, haven’t we?

I, too, am crazy about my iPhone. Sure, checking Facebook and Instagram anywhere, anytime, is fun, but what I love most about my phone is making lists and receiving reminders. I am a list-making nerd—a list-making nerd who sometimes adds an item that’s already been completed because it’s thrilling to check off said item again. Anyway…

I make my daily to-do list in the morning or before bed. I like the app “Any Do” (it’s free). I include all of my regular reminders (e.g., 1. put on a Hazmat Suit and clean the boy’s toilet, 2. Return Sonya’s call, etc.).

In addition, I include spiritual reminders. Right now, I am memorizing Ephesians 5:2, so on my list, I have (you guessed it) Eph 5:2.  I also include people who need prayer. The mother of one of my dear friends fell a few months ago and has double vision as a result. I pray for Emmaline’s healing when I see her name on my Any-Do list.

Then, there’s the timer. On my list I type: “check-in with God”. I set the timer to jingle during the day’s planned slow (ish) part. Lunchtime usually works. When my busy brain hears the timer ring, I take a deep breath and focus on God by praising Him, praying for the needs listed, or working on my memory verse.

Unfortunately, some days fly by without my stopping to connect with the Lord. I confess that He isn’t on my brain all the time. That’s why I love this system.

The key is to check your list periodically.

There are endless, amazing ways to use our phones. Many of us use Bible apps (I like YouVersion and Logos). Some apps have daily devotions, podcasts with sermons, or radio broadcasts.

Yes, I, too, am addicted! But I often use this excellent little computer to connect with God and make the most of the time He has given me.

As a result, I feel less guilty about choosing my phone over my kidney.