Thursday, January 17, 2013

US Franciscan province offers 'text-a-prayer-intention' service

http://www.hnp.org/images/wrapper/logo-new.gifOften, prayer intentions are offered with hands folded, but a new service allows hands and fingers to move freely -- provided a cellphone is handy. 

The New York-based Holy Name Province of the Franciscans has started a service it calls "Text a Prayer Intention to a Franciscan Friar." 

The service debuted in January with the new year. 

Here's how it works: Text the word "prayer" to 306-44 and hit "send." 

Senders will then receive a welcome message inviting them to then send in their prayer intentions. 

Senders will receive a text in reply stating that their prayer has been received and will be prayed for.

The intentions are received on a website, and will be included collectively in the friars' prayers twice a day and at Mass. 

"With technology changing the way we communicate, we needed to offer people an updated way to ask for prayers for special intentions and needs either for themselves or others," said a Jan. 8 statement by Franciscan Father David Convertino, executive director of development for the Franciscan Friars of Holy Name Province.