Church of England’s new book of blessings prays for the internet

A new book of blessings based on the experiences of priests of the Church of England includes prayers for the internet and office computer networks to reflect modern day lifestyles and requests. 'Consecrations, Blessings and Prayers', published by Canterbury Press, includes a special prayer for the installation of a new computer network, as well as blessings for offices and factories.

"We asked vicars what they had to bless, and this book is the result," Reverend Christine Smith, the publisher of the book, told 'The Sunday Telegraph'. He explained that while in medieval times, prayers might have been said to bless a plough or a field before work began but now, prayers focus on our state of mind before using the internet, and how we use it.

"May it be an inspiration to do good and a profitable investment," reads the blessing for a new computer system. "We need this prayer because when we open that door to the internet and social media, anything can happen. It might make people stop and think before they vent their spleen online, especially if they print it out and put it on their screen," says Revd Smith.

The prayers ask that "through our journeys through the internet we will direct our hands and eyes only to that which is pleasing" to God and that we "treat with charity and patience all those souls whom we encounter" online. "I am sure modern work places need blessings. There are high levels of stress in modern work places. People are going flat out. A blessing will enable them to think and breathe, and that's important," adds Revd Smith.

'Consecrations, Blessings and Prayers' covers prayers for every kind of work place from factories and shops to farms, fire engines and warships.