Today is Juneteenth so the Church Office is closed.  However, I decided to send out a Thursday Thought, especially given world events of late.  During Covid, I started a spiritual practice that I call “praying the news.”  It’s quite simple.  I open up one of the news apps on my phone, scan the headlines (or read certain stories if there’s time), let the news sink into my heart, and then say a quick prayer. 

At the time of my writing, here’s how it goes using the NY Times app:

Iran’s Supreme Leader Threatens ‘Irreparable Damage’ if U.S. Joins War
Lord, in your mercy, hear my prayer.

In Attacking Iran, Israel Further Alienates Would-Be Arab Allies
Lord, in your mercy, hear my prayer.

As World Turns Focus to Iran, Lethal Violence Flares at Gaza Aid Sites
Lord, in your mercy, hear my prayer.  

‘Americans Are Going to Die’: Why a Vaccine Expert Left the C.D.C.
Lord, in your mercy, hear my prayer.  

You get the idea. 
Or sometimes you may feel compelled to sing a refrain or a chant (from the Taizé Community for example) as you pray the news. 
You can find “O Lord, Hear My Prayer” in our Worship & Rejoice Hymnal #484:

O Lord, hear my prayer, O Lord, hear my prayer: when I call answer me.
O Lord, hear my prayer, O Lord, hear my prayer, come and listen to me.

YouTube recording of “O Lord, Hear My Prayer”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BWKmahZgLM

All of this to say that in these tumultuous days there are ways to be informed and to send light and love into the world.  This week I just wanted to pass this spiritual practice along if you ever feel the need to “pray the news” in this way.  I remain thankful for our community of faith and for the ways that we support each other on our life’s journeys. 

Love,
Pastor Lauren

Photo by Rich Tervet on Unsplash

Thursday Thoughts 6/19/25