Habit of Hope: Praying for the MarketplaceSample

Pray for the Media

Never before has it been so easy to share news with lightning speed across the globe as it is today. If an earthquake strikes Haiti, people in California know about it within minutes. And when a virus spreads around the world, you can find out how many people have been affected, in what areas, what you need to do and what is being done. The news coming at us is a mix of information we need to know, want to know, would rather not know – and potentially mixed in with all of that is information that can mislead us. 

Our words have power. Words and images displayed through various media channels trigger our emotions, for better or worse. Knowing that everything shared, whether it be news media or social media, has the potential to be far reaching is a sobering concept. If done well, it can inspire hope, generosity, diligence and responsibility. If done poorly, it can incite fear and poor choices that create a damaging chain reaction. With the privilege of being able to share information comes tremendous responsibility. 

Proverbs 2 admonishes all of us to seek wisdom from the Lord so that we understand what is right and just, and take the path guided by discretion. What this means with respect to sharing news is that we need to do so with a clear mind, strong conscience and the highest integrity. Any deviation from the truth can lead to disastrous results. But being guided by truth, integrity and hope can help to guard us all. 

Pray that those who have influence and responsibility for sharing critical news and information through all media platforms do so with a heart of service and integrity, that all of us are guarded from the temptation to be self-serving, and motivated only by serving the greater good.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for providing the technology that allows us to access news and information from around the world so readily. Help us to use it wisely to bring unity, not division. Guide us and give us the wisdom to share and consume media that is presented with integrity, that equips, encourages and brings hope. Bless those in the media industry with the wisdom, strength and courage to share the truth and a heart to serve the best interests of the public. In Jesus’ name. Amen.