Social media has become the amniotic fluid in which our thought and conscious life develops. For many of us, social media is the last thing we see before we go to sleep and the first thing we check in the morning.
With a tweet being out of date the minute after it's sent and newsfeeds updating every second, many are finding the accelerated pace of life harder to cope with. The difficult to define Millennials demographic are particularly entrenched in social media and also prone to early burnout.
Jewish and Christian believers have often championed the need for the rhythm of rest, recreation and work. Jesus himself offered a pattern of retreat and engagement, of resistance and renewal. Jesus constantly gave generously of his time to others, even those that most people deemed unworthy of attention or investment. The sick, the poor, the young, and the foreigner all found space in Jesus' schedule. Yet Jesus was also known for spending much time on his own or with a small group of confidantes, retreating away for prayer and reflection.
Taking a few moments each morning for prayer and reflection may be a healthy discipline that stops us drowning in social media. And as we look forward to the weekend ahead, maybe we can carve out a few moments for further rest, recharge and recreation.
God of rest and renewal,
This day give me a tranquil spirit .
This day help me to be present for those who need me.
This day grant me a discerning mind to filter the trivial from the significant.
This day help me to reflect on the simple blessings.
Amen.
This is an adapted version of Krish Kandiah's Prayer for the Day, which he will be giving every day on Radio 4 this week. You can listen to the original broadcast here.
