The invention of modern technology and the Internet revolutionized not only communication but life in general. Although they made life easier because of easier means of communication, accessible sources of information, and the choice to share our work and story with the world and connect with like-minded people through social media platforms, they also have several downsides. Whether we’re more of a gamer or social media enthusiast, technology can be a major distraction, and before we know it, we’ve already spent a couple of unproductive hours on it. Moreover, if we’re not really natural experts on technology, keeping up with the latest trends can be overwhelming.
Whenever we find ourselves struggling with this double-edged invention, we can say this prayer for technology to talk to God, thank Him for this useful tool, and at the same time, pray that we will be responsible and knowledgeable while wielding it.
Technology prayer
Our All-Knowing God,
I praise You for Your firm love, for Your powerful gentleness, for Your forgiving grace. Thank You for carefully creating all of us and the wonderful world we live in. Thank You for the advancements that we continue to make, and while many of them have helped us take better care of the environment and live sustainable lives, I ask forgiveness for the human inventions that have destroyed the peace we used to have on earth. Merciful God, I also ask for forgiveness and pardon for all my sins and transgressions. Thank You for Your unfailing commitment to being the benevolent yet all-powerful God we have come to know, serve, and respect.
With this technology prayer, I ask for Your supreme blessing that any new inventions will be used for good and pure purposes, not for evil and sin. Guide me as I continuously learn how to use these advancements for my benefit in righteous ways. Let no man use it for ill intent, and may all of us utilize it to help each other and spread kindness and preach Your Word to all nations.
Amen.
Short prayer for technology
Heavenly Father, as technology continues to evolve, I pray that You will watch over me as I uphold my responsibilities and limits as a user of devices and the Internet. Protect me from the evil that has seeped into online life. Help me equip myself with the knowledge I need to be a responsible and productive person when it comes to technology. May all these advancements be used for Your glory and honor.
Amen.
The Word of God
He has filled him with a divine spirit, with ability, intelligence, and knowledge, and with every kind of skill, to devise artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze. He has filled them with skill to do every kind of work done by an artisan or by a designer or by an embroiderer in blue, purple, and crimson yarns and in fine linen or by a weaver—by any sort of skilled worker or designer.
Exodus 35:31-32, 35 NRSVUE
and I have filled him with a divine spirit, with ability, intelligence, and knowledge, and every kind of skill, to devise artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze, in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, to work in every kind of craft.
Exodus 31:3-5 NRSVUE
Intercessory prayer to Saint Isidore of Seville
Saint Isidore, blessed and holy,
Amidst my awe and wonder at humanity’s inventions lies the fear of not being able to keep up with modern trends in computers and technology. I seek the wisdom and resourcefulness I need to fearlessly learn what I need in order to fully equip myself with useful tools that will help me live a better and easier life. It may be overwhelming to know that there are more research discoveries being made in the field of technology and robotics, but I pray for enthusiasm and eagerness to learn all of them.
Saint Isidore, bless my hands that wield devices and gadgets. At all times, help me remember my responsibilities and the ethics I need to follow as a user of the Internet and technology in general. Cleanse my mind from sinful intentions, and fill it instead with knowledge on how to use technology to benefit not only myself but also my brethren. May the Internet become a tool for me to donate to those in need, to spread love to those in times of sorrow, to meet new people and share with them Your Word, and a means for me to acquire new wisdom and solve my daily problems.
Moreover, protect me from the dangers of the Internet: scammers, hackers, pornography, and people who exploit others. Help me guard myself against malware, viruses, and malicious content on the Internet. Guide me as I educate myself on how to properly use and care for my appliances and devices so that no harm befalls my household.
Most of all, I pray that future generations will wield technology for the greater good and use it to stop any crimes and unholy ideologies from spreading. Let it be a tool for righteousness and never for evil.
Saint Isidore, pray for us. Amen.
Further reflection
From the early days of the Internet and even now, modern technology gained plenty of disapproval, especially from older generations. While it certainly made things easier, it became the medium through which sinfulness, cybercrime, and false information are propagated and spread. Although the Internet has paved the way for many bad deeds, it’s important to note that all these things—gadgets, social media, the Internet, and technology in general—are merely neutral tools. What gives them a positive or negative charge is not their own existence but ours as users. Our experiences, mindset, and beliefs shape the way we see the Internet. If we view technology as a good thing, then that may be because technology has had a positive impact on our life: maybe it’s our source of income, a way for us to connect with loved ones from afar, or just a convenience when it comes to household chores and other matters. On the other hand, if we perceive technology as ‘evil’, then it’s possible that we’ve had a negative mindset or experience with it as well: maybe we’ve been scammed online, or we know plenty of people who got into trouble because of it.
Our actions are a result of our choices, and our choices are reflections of our mindset, beliefs, and conditioning. The Internet, as a tool, can be compared to other things, like a knife, for example. If we give a knife to a mother, she will use it to cook a tasty meal for her family. But if we give it to a murderer, we know what will happen. When something bad happens, the perpetrator is to blame, not the tool they used. Remember to check our mindset and the possible reason behind it, not just when it comes to technology but other things in life.
