Be Rich in What Matters – Be More Analog

Analog Spirituality

Biblical spirituality is analog, not digital. It is based on personal and tangible practices between real people and the living God. Tangible things are by their very nature analog, not virtual. While the God of the Bible is invisible to the human eye, He has called us to practice very specific analog things that express our relationship with Him. Take our works, for example. The practical things we do for God or for other human beings are always analog in character. Or think about our Sabbath observance. To keep the Sabbath holy involves several specific analog practices like rest or worship. Resting from our mundane activities and making choices that reflect the holiness of the Sabbath day is never a virtual experience; it is always analog. This holds true for worship experiences in fellowship with real human beings in church on Sabbath mornings. While it is possible to join a digital worship service via the Internet, the ultimate worship experience finds fulfillment in analog commitments and participation with real people in physical places. Practical and real acts of kindness, grace, forgiveness, compassion, awe, and adoration are meaningful only when we experience them analog. No virtual reality can replace or surpass an analog human touch, kiss, helping hand, the comfort of a heartfelt embrace, the joy of physically felt laughter, or the firmness of a welcoming handshake. You cannot celebrate the practice of foot-washing, or eating and drinking the emblems of communion virtually. What Jesus has instituted through His own example is to be remembered physically in a way we can touch and taste.

Tangible Faith

Even the practice of prayer and fasting, encouraged throughout Scripture, is an analog act in time and space. Our faith in God always has an analog dimension in which it becomes visible. While we human beings can do all kinds of things virtually, our relationship with God and the expression of our spiritual walk with Jesus can never be reduced to virtual reality.

Consider all the blessings that real-life, analog acts can bring. “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver” (Prov. 25:11, ESV). A helping hand in support of a tangible need; a gentle touch that signals “You are not alone!”; the value of a handwritten postcard or letter that you hold in your hands; the extension of undeserved forgiveness and grace that results in a transformed personal relationship; the sharing of food with those who are hungry; the experience of hospitality by those who are traveling or do not have a place to stay. These and many other blessings want to be experienced analog. Enjoy the accomplishments of the digital world—but remember to be more analog in your faith.

Let’s pray together.

Prayer Time (30–45 Minutes)

Praying God’s Word — Heb. 10:24, 25

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

“Stir Up One Another to Love and Good Works”

God, Thank You for revealing to us what true love is. Thank You for becoming human and showing us through Jesus a love supreme. Thank You, that You stepped into our world and lived an analog life with us and for us. In this digital day and age, remind us of the absolute necessity to be engaged in the analog world with acts of love and kindness. God, we are too often addicted to our devices and the online world. Free us, so we can live for You by serving others. Amen.

“Not Neglecting to Meet Together”

Father, the Covid-19 pandemic accelerated the isolation which the digital world had already been leading us into for years. The illusion of true connection through virtual means will never replace the importance and blessing of real face-to-face interactions. Now that the pandemic is over help us to prioritize direct human connections, showing kindness, love, care, and support through tangible acts, words, and touch. Amen.

More Prayer Suggestions

Thanks and Praise: Give thanks for specific blessings and praise God for His goodness.

Confession: Take a few minutes for private confession and thank God for His forgiveness.

Guidance: Ask God to grant wisdom for current challenges and decisions.

Our Church: Pray for regional and world church needs (see separate sheet with requests).

Local Requests: Pray for current needs of church members, family, and neighbors.

Listen and Respond: Take time to listen for God’s voice and respond in praise or song.

Song Suggestions

SDA Hymnal: Blest Be the Tie that Binds (#350); Let Us Break Bread Together (#403); We Have This Hope (#214)

Other Songs: Bind Us Together, Lord; We Are One in the Spirit; Side by Side

Published by the General Conference Ministerial Association
Daily Readings by Dr. Frank Hasel