In the sacred dance of life, we often find ourselves rushing, our minds cluttered, our hearts weighed by seemingly endless tasks. Yet, in this frenetic pace, we risk missing the divine whispers that call us to deeper connection and what it means to be divine image-bearers. As we stand at the threshold of a new technological era, I want to challenge our technological imaginations to expand how these advancements can become instruments of grace, aiding us in our journey towards greater meaning and coherence in our lives.
Apple’s upcoming “Apple Intelligence” is one more significant example of how AI will dominate many of our phones this fall. One of the profound gifts of technology is its ability to grant us time. With a growing number of AI apps, our daily routines can be eased by removing the burdens of mundane tasks—managing schedules, organizing reminders, writing perfunctory emails, and suggesting optimal times for rest and reflection. Yet, it can be more than merely a tool. Can we imagine how it can serve something even greater, guiding us to slow down, breathe, and reengage with the essence of who we are and our redemptive calling?
Imagine the distraction and noise of daily and weekly administrative duties being hushed, allowing for a greater awareness of the sacred. We can’t be tempted to think that this newfound time is primarily for greater productivity but for intentional pausing, for listening to the still small voice within, and for reconnecting with the divine presence that awakens the best in us.
Deepening Spiritual Connections
Our spiritual life is the soil from which a meaningful life is nurtured. At the heart of our humanity is the call to love and be loved. Technology, when seen in this larger sacred frame, can enhance our ability to connect meaningfully with others who remind us of the complexity and the potential we all have—a beautiful intricacy that gets minimized and reduced in the grind of life. Imagine a technology that doesn’t distract but rather enriches our connections, helping us to be more present, more attentive, and more loving. It reminds us that in every interaction, there is an opportunity for grace, for understanding, for communion.
Without being naive, can Apple Intelligence, with its potential intuitive learning and personalized insights, serve as a gentle guide, leading us toward spiritual nourishment? Can it remind us of the people and communities that uplift the soul, as it suggests moments of meditation and even prompts us to step away from our screens to savor the beauty of the present moment? After a long day of meetings and processing tasks, imagine how God might use technology to urge you to take a walk and remember that you are more than your tasks, more than your successes and failures—an unexpected moment of God’s Sovereign grace that you are loved, embraced, and secure in an unfailing and unending presence.
Embracing a Life of Sacred Connection
In this new era, when we are bombarded by the fear and wonder of new technologies, we are called to see technology through a divine gospel frame—not as a mere enhancement to our productivity but as a sacred tool that helps us live more fully into our shared humanity. Can we, as a sacred community, embrace this gift, alongside the many other gifts God gives, with gratitude and wisdom? Can we use these incredible advancements to slow down, listen more deeply, and see the people around us with curiosity and wonder? In doing so, we honor God’s divine image within us and among us as we together weave a life of greater meaning, unexpected coherence, and peace.
For those of you who want to dive in to begin to see how this technology could help you where you are, we created a AI Prayer Coach to help people slow down and become attentive to God’s voice and presence.
We are excited to announce a forthcoming course this Fall on AI featuring my friend Bob Johansen, a Distinguished Fellow at the Institute of the Future. Keep an eye open, as we’ll be releasing details and registration on the Goldenwood Institute page in the coming weeks.
