CHRISTIAN groups and Churches have been quick to realise the potential of the latest information technology and social media, writes William Scholes.
The latest to venture on to the digital highways and byways is the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, which has just launched what it describes as its "first digital prayer devotional".
Called the Fruitful Church Prayer Journey, it is designed to be used by both individuals and congregations, "to prompt and focus prayer".
The Rev Dr Graham Connor from the Church's Council for Congregational Life and Witness said it was a "new way of stimulating and gathering prayer".
"Anyone can start the 28-day journey by signing up via www.presbyterianireland.org," he said.
"Having chosen a personal start date that suits them, subscribers will receive a short daily devotional and prayer prompt directly to their mobile device or computer.
"Each includes a verse of Scripture, a short reflection and a prayer as a challenge and a reminder to pray in a focused way for aspects of Church life around eight specific themes."
Themes covered in the 'prayer journey' include discipleship, worship and outreach.
"The journey can act as a great way to start the new Church year in prayer as a congregation, or to use as a special season of prayer at any time," said Dr Connor.
Presbyterian Moderator Dr Ian McNie said prayer was essential if Christians were to be "bear fruit".
"If we are to be fruitful in the part of Ireland that God has placed us, or overseas and beyond, we need to look to Jesus, seeking Him through prayer, so that He can speak through us by how we live our lives as His witnesses," said Dr McNie.
"Without Jesus we can do nothing, so prayer must be central to our daily walk with Him."
ENDS
