Over the years, one of the markers of the beginning of the Fall program year has been the Blessing of the Backpacks. It is a rite that helps our faith community bless children as they return back to school, assures both children and adults that God is with them wherever they go, and reminds us, as Martin Luther wrote, that everything inside that backpack can be a means by which we can serve and bless our neighbors.
As schools and work become more digitally-integrated, and for us to be more inclusive of the cycles of school and work throughout the lifespan, why don’t we try a Blessing of the Devices? Just as we bless the physical symbols and tools of our learning, we can also bless and mark the digital devices through which so much of schooling, work, and life are now mediated.
I offer you this blessing (inspired by Dr. Elizabeth Drescher) in the hope that you will incorporate it intentionally into the changing of seasons. Find a quiet moment, gather your devices, and pray the following blessing.
God, you call me to share your Good News of love, justice and peace with a world in need. You have gifted me with rich resources from scripture, tradition, reason, and experience which have allowed humans to develop new ways of listening to the voices of many others, attending to their interests and concerns, connecting with diverse peoples and groups, and engaging them as a people of faith. I ask your blessing on the many devices I use so that I may better love and serve my neighbors in a changing world. May they never become distractions from relationships, or an idol in my hands. May I always remember that your Son, Jesus Christ is the One, True mediator of your love and grace in the wired world. Amen.
Backpack blessings often include a tag or pin that is used to mark the backpack as “blessed.” Stickers could play a similar role in a blessing of devices. They can be used on the back of cell phones, laptops, or tablets. I invite you to pick out a sticker to place on your devices as a reminder to use your devices to be a blessing in the world, through Jesus who teaches us LOVE.
May you bless the world with all that you are.
Happy September!
In Christ,
Rev. Beth
