Somewhere over the summer – somewhere between the road trips, the beach, and the DIY, I had a small realisation: I spend a remarkable amount of time on my phone.
Perhaps you do too.
It has become a constant companion, quietly shaping the rhythm of the day: news, WhatsApp messages with family in the UK, emails, reminders… and the occasional nerdy deep dive into the weather.
While listening to an interview with James Clear (author of Atomic Habits), an idea struck me. I won’t quote it directly, but his point was simple and wise:
On reflection, I’ve seen that the big changes in my life have grown out of small, ordinary moments – not grand gestures.
So, I’m going to try something small and easy for Lent this year. Seeing as my phone already takes up so much attention, perhaps it could become not just a distraction, but a doorway to prayer. I’m planning to use the Everyday Faith app developed by the Church of England. It seems very simple: gentle music, a short reflection, and a Scripture reading each day.
I was also inspired by Simon and Jenny Gill at Convergence Camp to consider approaching my daily devotional as a time for resting in God’s presence, rather than a content heavy endeavour to know more stuff!
In the past I have also appreciated using two other apps that many find helpful for daily devotions:
If you’re already reaching for your phone (as many of us do), maybe those moments could become tiny doorways to prayer through your day. If, on the other hand, you just need to switch the phone off or leave it in the other room, do that! You will know what’s best for you.
May you find a life-giving habit for Lent that draws you closer to the heart of Christ.
Check out other articles in the
series below.
More articles in the
series are to come.
We have invited these writers to share their experiences, ideas and opinions in the hope that these will provoke thought, challenge you to go deeper and inspire you to put your faith into action. These articles should not be taken as the official view of the Nelson Diocese on any particular matter.
Somewhere over the summer – somewhere between the road trips, the beach, and the DIY, I had a small realisation: I spend a remarkable amount of time on my phone.
Perhaps you do too.
It has become a constant companion, quietly shaping the rhythm of the day: news, WhatsApp messages with family in the UK, emails, reminders… and the occasional nerdy deep dive into the weather.
While listening to an interview with James Clear (author of Atomic Habits), an idea struck me. I won’t quote it directly, but his point was simple and wise:
On reflection, I’ve seen that the big changes in my life have grown out of small, ordinary moments – not grand gestures.
So, I’m going to try something small and easy for Lent this year. Seeing as my phone already takes up so much attention, perhaps it could become not just a distraction, but a doorway to prayer. I’m planning to use the Everyday Faith app developed by the Church of England. It seems very simple: gentle music, a short reflection, and a Scripture reading each day.
I was also inspired by Simon and Jenny Gill at Convergence Camp to consider approaching my daily devotional as a time for resting in God’s presence, rather than a content heavy endeavour to know more stuff!
In the past I have also appreciated using two other apps that many find helpful for daily devotions:
If you’re already reaching for your phone (as many of us do), maybe those moments could become tiny doorways to prayer through your day. If, on the other hand, you just need to switch the phone off or leave it in the other room, do that! You will know what’s best for you.
May you find a life-giving habit for Lent that draws you closer to the heart of Christ.
Check out other articles in the
series below.
More articles in the
series are to come.
