I\u2019m always trying to find new ways to squeeze prayer and Scripture and reflection into my busy days. I have the best of intentions, but, more often than not, I get to the end of the day and realize that I never found so much as five minutes for God. That has changed thanks to the miracle of podcasting. I am now a \u201cPray-As-You-Go\u201d podcast junkie, waiting for my daily 10-minute Scripture fix to calm my worried mind and take me to a quiet place if only for a little while.<\/p>\n
Pray-As-You-Go, which is available on iTunes, gives you a lot of bang for the buck, especially since it\u2019s free. Produced by the Jesuit Media Initiative of London, the podcast begins with music — sometimes traditional chant, sometimes contemporary, sometimes ethnic, always wonderful. Then it continues with one of the Scripture readings of the day, followed by questions to prod you into deeper reflection. The reading is read a second time with further reflection points.<\/p>\n
As soon as I hear the introduction to the day\u2019s music and reading by the woman with the soothing voice and British accent, I can feel my tensed-up shoulders starting to relax. Sometimes I listen as I get ready in the morning or as I empty the dishwasher. Other times I listen as I walk or as I get ready for bed. It is just enough to get me thinking and to put me in a prayerful mindset.<\/p>\n
I have even found a new appreciation for the Acts of the Apostles since so many of the reflections during this Easter season have focused on those readings. I find myself looking forward to the next podcast as soon as one ends. (The series is available only on weekdays, but that\u2019s OK since we get the real thing at Mass on Sundays.)<\/p>\n