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During her husband's time in business school, Laura Kelly Fanucci learned about the concept of a "nudge" — forming new habits by linking them to existing ones. This idea led her to floss regularly, a habit she had struggled with before.
Fanucci describes how placing a flosser next to her toothbrush helped integrate flossing into her daily routine. She wonders if similar nudges could be applied to prayer practices. Everyday activities like opening the fridge or passing a hospital could serve as reminders to pray.
The author notes that many people make New Year's resolutions but only a small percentage maintain them. She suggests that using nudges could help form lasting habits. For instance, setting out workout clothes at night can prompt morning exercise, and saying prayers while driving past churches or cemeteries can become routine.
Fanucci shares personal examples of integrating prayer into daily life through nudges. During challenging times for friends, she prayed each time she picked up a laundry basket. Another example involved praying for each child while organizing their shoes.
Inspired by her husband’s practice of reading Mass readings via email every morning during Lent, Fanucci aims to replace scrolling through news or social media with scripture reading by placing her prayer book on top of her phone at night.
She encourages others to identify strong habits and build prayerful nudges around them, suggesting visual cues or phone alarms as potential aids.
Laura Kelly Fanucci is an author and speaker who founded Mothering Spirit, an online community focused on parenting and spirituality.
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