An evening without screens: reading, prayer, games, talk
The evening is often the time when we collapse in front of a screen: film, social media, game, news. We tell ourselves it is to relax, but we go to bed more tired, less present to our loved ones, with the vague feeling of having spent the evening without living it. This weekly quest invites you to reverse the logic: a whole evening without screens.
What it looks like in your day
Set the evening. Choose an evening, preferably with those who share your home. Specify the hours: “From 7 to 10 p.m., no screens.”
Announce the program. If you live with others, present the idea with enthusiasm, not as a punishment: “Shall we try an old-fashioned evening?”
Plan an evening menu. A few ideas:
- A meal prepared together, with a real table and time to talk.
- A board game, a card game: laughter guaranteed.
- A reading out loud: a chapter of a novel, a psalm, a story from the Bible.
- A time of prayer as a family or alone: thanksgivings, intercessions.
- A guided conversation: “What struck you this week?” “Which moment did you enjoy?”
- A walk, a visit, a call to a loved one.
- A moment of silence, a bath, an herbal tea, music without a screen.
Handle the temptation. Put the devices away, turn off the television, leave the phone in airplane mode. If an urgent need arises, you can deal with it, but by deciding to.
Take stock at the end of the evening. How did this time go? What was missing, what was surprising? Would you like to repeat it?
If you are short on time, two hours are enough. If you are shy, you can live it alone with a book. If you have teenagers, involve them in choosing the activities.
What the Bible says
Paul invites a wise vigilance:
“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.”
“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil”: time is precious. Evenings are parcels of that time, which can be lived on autopilot or with full awareness. The psalmist prays to learn to number his days (Psalms 90:12). And in the house of Martha and Mary, Jesus reminds us that listening is better than agitation (Luke 10:39-42).
Pitfalls to avoid
Imposing a screen-free evening in a bad mood. If the atmosphere is tense, the project fails. Suggest it lightly.
Planning nothing. Without activities, the evening risks turning into boredom. Prepare a menu.
Cheating. A “quick peek” at the phone breaks the bubble. Put it away.
Expecting a perfect evening. The first few times are clumsy. The children grumble, boredom arises. Persevere.
Neglecting those who don't go along. If a family member has a real need (work, a call), respect it.
This week, choose an evening without screens. Prepare a menu of reading, prayer, games and conversation.