News Health: The Perfect News Routine

Happy Sunday,

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 

The perfect news routine

I suggested to TPO’s staff that we make a before-and-after video on how following “the perfect news routine” impacts people's lives. This suggestion prompted the very logical next question that I was embarrassingly unprepared for…

What’s the perfect news routine?

I’ve given a fair number of tips/rules/boundaries for how we, as followers of Christ, should relate to the news, but never consolidated the list.

So, here it is: the “perfect” news routine.

1. Consume 5-15 minutes of news a day in one sitting.

2. Pray for three minutes before your news session to refocus your heart and mind on eternity. Ask God to help you see today’s news in the light of His eternal kingdom.

3. Pray for three minutes after your news session to confess any anger or hatred towards people in the news. Pray also for anyone who is suffering or in need.

4. Take one intentionally news-free day per week.

Calling it “perfect” definitely feels like a stretch, but it’s also hard for me to imagine someone consistently following that routine and feeling like the news is overwhelming or causing them significant anger or anxiety. I’ve personally found benefits with each step, but have never strung all of them together for any meaningful period of time. So, I’ll be testing that.

What do you think? What is this routine missing? 

Thanks,

Jason

__

News health starts with spiritual health… and The Bible Recap* has been helping me dive deeper consistently—even through the routineless newborn season. It’s been the foundation of my daily quiet time since October 2024. I highly recommend giving it a try. 

*I’m fortunate enough to be paid to promote products I actually use and genuinely recommend. The Bible Recap is one of them.

________

Was this forwarded to you? Subscribe here.