Text Jesus?

Lord, you are the God who saves me; day and night I cry out to you. May my prayer come before you.” Psalm 88:1-2a (NIV)

A roadside sign this summer advertised a local Bible school’s theme: “Text Jesus.” That catchy phrase connects well with today’s culture and kids, but might it also promote a “disconnect” from God?

omg u r gr8. t2ul. (Oh my God, you are great. Talk to you later.)

Texting is a quick form of superficial communication, one that lacks the components of cultivating relationship. A quick thought is sent in abbreviated form: bbl jk (Be back later—just kidding.)

Where is the depth of sitting with the Word to hear God’s reply? omg simyc  (Oh my God, sorry I missed your call).

Where is the pouring out of our hearts to God and being filled with His presence? Where is the experience of knowing God if communication is watered down to a text message?  wu (What’s up?)

Is our relationship with God something that should be rushed through? Skimmed over? Reduced to acronyms? Wait! Before we criticize the cool Bible School theme here, could it be that prayer in general for our fast-paced society has already dwindled to a text-message type of “arrow prayer”?

yt (you there?)

qq 4 u (quick question for you)

ghm (God help me)

t2ut (talk to you tomorrow)

We have the opportunity for an intimate relationship with the Almighty God—the omniscient, omnipresent, omnipotent One. Are we going to pass that by because it is easier to text than to pray, easier to say a few quick words when we want something than to engage in regular all-out prayer so we can truly know Him?

Father, help me make the time to commune with you in prayer, beginning now…

© Nance