Social Media and the Language of Prayer

Ever notice how often people on social media sites invoke the power of prayer? I sure do and I'm not the only one. Back in March, my friend and colleague Simon Lee posted a short survey on the subject. In addition to questions about basic demographics, he asked Facebook users:

• Have you ever seen a post from someone you follow on Facebook that says "pray for" or "keep (someone) in your thoughts and/or prayers" regarding a health-related issue or medical emergency?
• How often have you seen a "pray for" type post on Facebook related to health?
• Have you ever commented on a health-related "pray for" post on Facebook?
• Have you ever posted a "pray for" message on Facebook concerning yourself or someone you know who is having a health-related issue?

I looked at the results, thought "no surprise," and moved on to other (billable) things.* I'm mentioning this now because I recently noticed (last week!) how the language of prayer appeared in a flurry of tweets between an individual and a healthcare organization. By "language of prayer" I mean phrases like: "bless you" and "will keep you in our thoughts and prayers."

Indeed, it's not unusual to see posts (on Facebook) and tweets (on Twitter) from self-professed agnostics and atheists as well as secular healthcare organizations that, nevertheless, invoke the language of prayer. Here's what I'm wondering: Has the language of prayer become the generic language of compassion? If so, what does that say about the so-called secularization of our society?

Pray tell, what do you think?


*I'm sure we'll write more about the the results at some point. Right, Simon?