How to Manage the News (With a Little Help from Wise Friends and the Bible): Part I “Pray Without Ceasing” by elder Turtle GG

(Posted on 3/17/18; reposted on 3/21/2025)

1 Corinthians 16:14 (KJV): “Let all your things be done in charity.” 

Thessalonians 5:17 (KJV): “Pray without ceasing.” 

In the past years, I have appreciated a small group of lovely people over 90 years of age in an assisted living group. We have taken up devotions on several topics, some related to how to be informed about the outside world in a positive way. They have the same dilemma we all do—what to do with the violent sights and sounds that can bombard us from TV, radio, print news, and social media. What are we to do about what I call “The Bad News”? With 24-hour news cycles available from all kinds of sources, we learn a high proportion of bad news—kidnappings, murder, refugee and immigration woes, disasters, corruption, accidents, and violence perpetrated on the most vulnerable.

When we find stories in the news disturbing, it can challenge our beliefs and peace of mind. We may even feel discouraged and powerless. Here are some ideas about how to exercise our rights as consumers of the news for how to participate as we choose the degree to which we are exposed.

First of all, we are not at the mercy of “The Bad News.” Here are a few suggestions that put us in charge of our exposure to all kinds of news.

1. Limit news gathering to perhaps ½ hour per day.

2. Decide what kind of news you want—local, world, arts/entertainment, political, weather, sports etc. Do you want headlines or interviews with people involved?

3. After looking at different sources for a week (don’t forget different sections of a newspaper or magazine.) Choose one that leaves you feeling informed but not overwhelmed.

4. Some news shows regularly include a closing story about the goodness of mankind and animals. You might like this approach.

5. Arrange with a friend or family member to watch with you, with the intention of having a brief discussion afterward.

Of course, this group of wise elders can be counted upon to find ways to manage exposure to the news but not without asking—“What can we do as a positive response to what we learn?”

Marianne Williamson, author of Everyday Grace (p. 91 and 205), suggests we think of news as “humanity’s prayer list.” She acknowledges there is darkness in the world and that we need to lift it to the light. Becoming discouraged only contributes to fear. Williamson realizes that some reports are so heart-wrenching that they take us out of our comfort zone for finding compassion, but she hopes we can try to extend compassion to each person on “humanity’s prayer list.” She suggests the following:

1. Mentally bless everyone in each news story. Try to find the goodness in each person.

2. Pray for yourself to be a loving force in life.

3. Pray for peace in the world.

I asked my friends in assisted living if they felt prayer, compassion, and charity from them to others across the world would help. They were certain of the power of this approach; they were already working on it. One woman, age 101, wisely pointed out, though, that sometimes she feels this takes “prayers without ceasing.”

I had carefully avoided politics and judgment of news sources to keep our discussion positive, but Lydia brought up concerns about her granddaughter’s source of news. They all chimed with concerns about whether certain sources are reliable. The broader picture is of concern to them.  Please read more in How to Manage the News (With a Little Help from Wise Friends and the Bible) PART II  "Fake News: 

-- submitted by Elder Turtle GG