When a device dies

According to our prayer center volume stats, prayer requests about dying and deceased devices are up significantly. When it’s someone’s first iPhone or Blackberry the deaths can be difficult. Our first advice to owner is a simple one: remember to pray. The following prayer is recommended when you’re dropping off the device for recycling.

5.5.3  Prayer of Commendation

Into your hands, O merciful One In Charge, we commend you servant ______ (state name of computer or device). Acknowledge, we humbly beseech you, a component of your own fold, a device of your own flock, a product of your own redeeming.  Receive her (or him) into the arms of your mercy, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious company of the saints in light.

May her (or his) micro-processor chip and the chips of all the departed, through the mercy of The One In Charge, rest in peace.

Amen.

From The Book of Uncommon Prayer, p. 132.

Photo by cogdog via Flickr.

When a peripheral dies

We know that death is not the end of life. It is, for many computers and peripherals, only the beginning of that new life which has been preordained for them. Still, delivering the news to the owners of deceased devices can be tricky. Owners go through the typical stages: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and finally, acceptance.

I had to give “the news” to a client this afternoon for her wireless keyboard.

Here’s the prayer I gave. It’s for a deceased computer, but I also use it for peripherals. You might want to keep it handy.