"Text without ceasing."

"Yes, I love technology But not as much as you, you see

But I still love technology Always and forever"

Napoleon Dynamite (LaFawnduh's song)

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I was reminded Saturday morning of just how connected we are in today's world. Most Americans and a large part of the world have access to one or more technologies/services such as telephones, cell phones, satellite phones, e-mail, the Internet, Instant Messaging, text messaging, video conferencing, personal web blogs, and snail-mail (aka U.S. Postal Service). With all this connectedness you almost have to stop and think for a moment....

Why?

Why do our kids seem more focused on text messaging, Facebook and Twitter than talking to the person next to them? Why do most adults walk and drive around with a cell phone held to their ear or at least in their possession? Why do many of us walk into our homes and head straight to our computers to check e-mail or our favority web pages? Simply put connectedness.
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Connection is comfort.

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I think most of us, if we stopped texting long enough to think about it, would admit that being connected to other people provides a degree of comfort and security. Even if we do not enjoy a particular persons company, we can find comfort and/or security from the mere presence of another human.

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Connected to God?

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"Pray without ceasing." 1 Thess 5:17

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In the past I have thought about the verse above and wondered how is it possible to "pray without ceasing". In the past I thought that praying is a serious, formal act and the words have to be just right, etc. Over the years I have grown comfortable with a less formal, still respectful, conversational approach to prayer as I go about my day. I think the way we stay connected with other humans gives us some insight into staying connected with God throughtout our day. Short quick spontaneous conversations with God. Just saying "thank you for...", or "guide me with...", or "please help ..." can keep us connected and serve to remind us of our relationship with God.
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