POST-MODERNIZATION has created a medium that makes things easily accessible and people reachable. It has invented the mode of communications like Facebook that allows every human being to talk to other people from afar.
It is now the trend in postmodern period to post or send thoughts on Facebook. Also, it can now be used as a field to express gratitude, sympathy, and apology.
But, do all prayers on Facebook construe goodness to other Facebook users? Is it really safe now to express prayers on the said medium?
“Prayers for Manchester Bombing”, “Thank you God for Everything! Just got home from Church”, and “Sorry God” are some of the statements posted on Facebook that signify prayers for the self and for the people.
Prayer is a thought of gratitude addressed to God for something one has received in life. Prayer is a thought of sympathy addressed to God towards other people’s problems. And, prayer is a thought of inspiration addressed to God for other people to believe in the word of holiness, and do good things, and continue the good deeds. Hence, the significance of prayers is to spread positivity for better living and peaceful community.
Other people often misinterpret these prayers on Facebook. They disparage those people who do such act as they believe prayers should be done silently, and a broadcast prayer is boasting. They see prayers on Facebook as attention seeking as they quote, “Problems need solution, not attention”.
In addition, they perceive prayers on Facebook as hypocrisy or to sound religious, but, actually, immoral and cruel.
Offensive as it is but that is their take about prayers on Facebook. If they think that prayers should be said in private, let them be.
But, if your goal is to spread good thoughts, give life, put color to the world, and enjoy, that is your freedom. Just always remember, you do not live by their words, you live by your choice.
-o0o-
Yolexelle P. Dawa is a student of the University of Mindanao.