Keep Individual Prayer List Private?
Is there a way to keep an individual prayer list private? I have one computer and my wife and I both use it. I would like to keep it private. Is this possible using the prayer list in Logos?
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I have one computer and my wife and I both use it. I would like to keep it private
If you and your wife are using the same installation of Logos then all information will be visible to both of you as you are both using the same Logos account
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I have one computer and my wife and I both use it. I would like to keep it private.
Yeah it's all part of the 'become one flesh' business. It really hard for the left hand not to know what the right hand is doing. ;-)
Even if it were possible the probability of unintended consequences would be frightening.
Have you thought of keeping a note book in the back pocket of your pants?
tootle pip
Mike
How to get logs and post them. (now tagging post-apocalyptic fiction as current affairs) Latest Logos, MacOS, iOS and iPadOS
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Yeah it's all part of the 'become one flesh' business. It really hard for the left hand not to know what the right hand is doing. ;-)
Even if it were possible the probability of unintended consequences would be frightening.
Mike, you're a wealth of practicality. Hopefully Steve can resolve it.
"If myth is ideology in narrative form, then scholarship is myth with footnotes." B. Lincolm 1999.
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Not so much an issue with the wife but the kids also use Logos on the same computer for school. None of them actively use the prayer list (currently), but I'm concerned there could be private prayer requests on the list for various people in the church and I don't want the kids to stumble onto it or even my wife find something inadvertently that would betray a confidence (such as if I were counseling a male member of the church about pornography or marital infidelity).
I resolved the issue (at least to my satisfaction currently) by putting anything that is sensitive in code that only I understand. Such as MDWS for "marriage difficulties with spouse" or PKNS "pray for kids not saved" etc. This could also be as extensive as LI24312 for someone whose last infidelity was on March 12th, 2024.
I'm sure my wife could figure out some of these codes given that she knows how I think. But I doubt the kids could. I do wish there was a way to password protect the prayer list, though.
Steven
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Hey Mike,
Yeah, there is always that option of the notebook in pants. But I do my morning devotionals in Logos and would like to keep my prayer list and Bible passages and devotional all in one place. I think the set up will work. Will try anyway and see how it goes.
Steven
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I do wish there was a way to password protect the prayer list, though.
Keep in mind too as far as I know from the last time I asked in 2017, Logos has not enabled any data encryption on the data (our data) kept in the cloud (I think they use Amazon Web Services, but that could have changed by now.) Our account info is encrypted. It's the reason I stopped using the prayer list. If you have data in your prayers list (or in any Logos data, like Notes, Documents) that would result in a real problem if AWS was hacked and that data put on the dark web, you may want to rethink what you store in Logos.
Here are the threads - now there has been a change in management too, but the key sentence from Bob to me was:
"So, if you take user privacy _really_ seriously, I agree you shouldn't store stuff in our Notes files."
https://community.logos.com/forums/t/154701.aspx
https://community.logos.com/forums/t/130633.aspx?PageIndex=1
Maybe someone from Logos will see this and give us an update. Maybe technology and costs have changed such that our data is encrypted now? (if they did change to using encryption they should have showed it from the rooftops!)
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This is a little disappointing given that Logos tries to be an all in one solution for pastors and other church workers. I would imagine most people would not even give it a second thought and just "assume" everything was protected. But, that really begs the question of how safe is our data anywhere on the web or in apps these days. It is just about routine now that I get a letter in the mail from some place online that tells me they had a hack and my data was taken, or maybe was taken, or could have been taken (I guess they're not really sure).
Your information makes me reconsider using last names and the name of our church in my prayer list going forward, just as a precaution.
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This is a little disappointing given that Logos tries to be an all in one solution for pastors and other church workers.
Given that the app is password protected and sold as a single-user product, the need for additional protection is minimal. By having the password saved and sharing your account with your wife, you are bypassing the Logos protections. That said, I agree that storing other people's personal data in Logos given the privacy laws in some countries is problematic. But then I hate the implied theology of the implementation of prayer lists.
Orthodox Bishop Alfeyev: "To be a theologian means to have experience of a personal encounter with God through prayer and worship."; Orthodox proverb: "We know where the Church is, we do not know where it is not."
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I hate the implied theology of the implementation of prayer lists
I am unclear of what this means. Do you have a minute to amplify?
I pray for people. Sometimes I write down the situation. If I do this with >=2 people, it becomes a list. Is this not OK?
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Hi Steven. I have a similar situation in that I use Logos prayer lists and I have family members who have access to my account. I think your code idea is problematic because it wouldn't take much to break it so if you're concerned about confidentialities then I don't think that will achieve your goal.
I see this list as a reminder prompt to pray for that person, family or situation rather than anything specific, although I may on occasion be more specific if that person appears multiple times on the list and/or it is something that is not confidential. I have a separate notebook/system that is confidential where I can keep discipleship/counselling notes.
Here's some (obviously with name changes) examples of things on my list:
- Pray for (daughter/son)'s future spouse
My kids see this and I'm totally OK with them knowing that I pray for them in this way. 2 of them are now at stage where this is more than just theoretical
and so when this prayer item comes up my thoughts might be focused more specifically but I'm not going to put that into my note for their siblings to see.- Pray for (church family)'s marriage, that they will love each other well.
Even healthy marriages deserve prayer, and the fact that a particular couple is on my list couldn't/shouldn't be interpreted as evidence of some specific problem. Considering my own marriage is on the list as well it again makes me OK with family members or (people looking over my shoulder and seeing it on my home page) knowing that it is on my list. My notes may contain information about the issue of infidelity, infertility or insolvency that I am walking through with them but that doesn't need to be on the prayer prompt. I don't have so many people on the list that I would forget what is going on with them at the current time.
- Pray for (individual) that they will draw closer to the Lord
I can pray the same prayer that Paul prayed for the Ephesians, regardless of what I may think about their state of grace/salvation, etc. Agan, I don't have so many people on my list that when prompted their specific situation does not quickly come to mind. And again, because it is a positive prayer I'm OK with someone else seeing it. In fact, it is not uncommon for the person themselves to see that they are on my list.
BTW, there are very few things I have set to daily reminders. I don't promise people that I will pray for them daily (because that would be a lie), so what I like about the way I use the prayer lists is it prompts me to also reach out to that person personally, to tell them I was praying for them. It ends up being a very easy way to stay connected.
I hope this helps you figure out what's going to work for you.
Scripture set to music for worship and aid memorization. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-DojPa0TlpCGhtUJq1e3Pw
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How much can you keep inside your head [+ nowhere else]?
Possibly just keeping a name on the list is enough to recall the situation.
God has given some folks great memories.
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I hate the implied theology of the implementation of prayer lists
I am unclear of what this means. Do you have a minute to amplify?
The fact that entering an answer labels the prayer complete both implies that prayer is for something so concrete that you know when it is answered and that the answer is never gradual or multi-part. This implies (to me at least) a gimme gimme stance towards prayer that I find offensive. I was strongly influenced by a priest whose father died of brain cancer - the priest mentioned that one of the hardest lessons he had learned during his father's illness was to pray for whatever was best for his father rather than what he personally wanted. God knows what is best - often we do not.
Orthodox Bishop Alfeyev: "To be a theologian means to have experience of a personal encounter with God through prayer and worship."; Orthodox proverb: "We know where the Church is, we do not know where it is not."
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I hate the implied theology of the implementation of prayer lists
I am unclear of what this means. Do you have a minute to amplify?
The fact that entering an answer labels the prayer complete both implies that prayer is for something so concrete that you know when it is answered and that the answer is never gradual or multi-part. This implies (to me at least) a gimme gimme stance towards prayer that I find offensive. I was strongly influenced by a priest whose father died of brain cancer - the priest mentioned that one of the hardest lessons he had learned during his father's illness was to pray for whatever was best for his father rather than what he personally wanted. God knows what is best - often we do not.
Thank you, MJ. This does give me something to think about. I have read your answer multiple times so the wisdom sinks in.
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I hate the implied theology of the implementation of prayer lists
I am unclear of what this means. Do you have a minute to amplify?
The fact that entering an answer labels the prayer complete both implies that prayer is for something so concrete that you know when it is answered and that the answer is never gradual or multi-part. This implies (to me at least) a gimme gimme stance towards prayer that I find offensive. I was strongly influenced by a priest whose father died of brain cancer - the priest mentioned that one of the hardest lessons he had learned during his father's illness was to pray for whatever was best for his father rather than what he personally wanted. God knows what is best - often we do not.
I actually like the set up Logos has for the Prayer List, especially with the Answer option. Answered prayers go to the bottom of the list (a separate "Answered" list) and remain there forever unless you delete them. While I do have many prayers that I continue to wrestle with day in and day out that do not seemingly get "answered," I also have prayers that do have definite answers. I.e. we applied for a pastorate job a few months ago but we did not really "want" to go. There was another couple ahead of us and we and the local church here were praying for God's will to be done either way. This continued prayer was answered definitely when the first couple took the position. I can also understand remaining general or seeking God's will in things around us. But there are times, especially in intercessory prayer, where I find prayers are often specific, and can be very private and personal for either myself or for the people I'm praying for.
Having the prayer list provides me organization and intentionality and also helps my memory which is terrible these days. Plus, the Logos prayer list offers sync between my laptop and my phone, which is perfect. I use the laptop while doing devotionals in the mornings but my phone can be pulled out while sitting in a pew at church or in the grocery line or sitting at the gas station, where I can jot down a prayer request or quickly look over my list and pray for a few people when I've got down time (sitting in a doctor's office).
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How much can you keep inside your head [+ nowhere else]?
Possibly just keeping a name on the list is enough to recall the situation.
God has given some folks great memories.
There is very little I can actually keep in my head these days. I'm not certain why that is. Most things go out as quickly as it has come in. Quite often I'm in my own head and can be talking to someone and not actually hear them at all. It frustrates my wife to no end. Hence, the need for a prayer list to begin with.
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There is very little I can actually keep in my head these days. I'm not certain why that is. Most things go out as quickly as it has come in. Quite often I'm in my own head and can be talking to someone and not actually hear them at all
Steve, I get like that under stress.
You have acronym codes for info. Here is an idea from way, way out in left field.
Cops use the 10 code system. Make up your own code system.
You're a pastor, so all codes start with 7. [Coz 7 is the number of God]
7-100 is finances/bankruptcy. [Coz 100 cents in a buck]
7-1 is martial problems. [Coz if they aren't careful they will be one not two]...Or use 7-6 for this, as six is close to sex.
The idea is to make a number with a hook. 7-21 is for gambling. [Coz of the card game 21]
xxxxxx
If you do not have too many on the list, this will work without having to write down their names.
7-45 is for criminal activity. [Coz .45 is a gun]
7-RS is s/he constantly parties, in the bars. [Coz the Rolling Stones partied really heavily, especially Keef]
I'll leave it at that.
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Hi Steven. I have a similar situation in that I use Logos prayer lists and I have family members who have access to my account. I think your code idea is problematic because it wouldn't take much to break it so if you're concerned about confidentialities then I don't think that will achieve your goal.
Hey Jeremy. Thanks for the comments and tips. I agree, there can be problems with the codes, but used sparingly I think it should be okay. I do think I will be reconsidering the use of last names though, and maybe even pseudonyms if necessary for people. This is not in a capacity of formal biblical counseling, but it could be in the future. Since taking over the Sunday School class, though, people now regularly come up to me to either ask personal questions, ask theological questions, or confide about something to do with their children, their marriages, or other people in the church (which is always tricky). I just don't like the left knowing what the right is doing, so if I can avoid it, I will try. But, at the same time, I like the prayer list feature in Logos, so I'm trying to make it all work together.
I see this list as a reminder prompt to pray for that person, family or situation rather than anything specific.....I have a separate notebook/system that is confidential where I can keep discipleship/counseling notes.
I would agree, but I need more reminding than maybe others do. Plus, I'm doing most of the praying in the early mornings (usually starting around 4:30 or 5:00) and I'm quite groggy. I'm certain if I ever started doing biblical counseling formally, I would have an encrypted records system.
because it is a positive prayer I'm OK with someone else seeing it. In fact, it is not uncommon for the person themselves to see that they are on my list.
I don't know why, I'm just not okay with it. Mostly, though, intercessory prayer isn't positive, at least in my experience. When praying for the kids, I'm wrestling with their problems, with their shortcomings, with their issues. I don't want their siblings to be reading about this stuff. But mostly I don't want prayers about the kids' friends if they're struggling, or about other people in the church they might know. It's just too personal and sensitive. At this point, I think I've found a solution for it. Plus, at this point, the kids don't even know how to access documents in Logos. So it will take a year or more before they're at that point. But it will come when they know more about it that I do. Just want to try and stay one or two steps ahead of them for as long as I can.
BTW, there are very few things I have set to daily reminders. I don't promise people that I will pray for them daily (because that would be a lie), so what I like about the way I use the prayer lists is it prompts me to also reach out to that person personally, to tell them I was praying for them. It ends up being a very easy way to stay connected.
I hope this helps you figure out what's going to work for you.
Mine are the opposite. I have all of my prayers set as daily reminders. This doesn't mean I necessarily pray each and every one every single day, but I do want the reminder to do so if I can. My list is long and continually growing, but this is also why I want to use Logos because I like the ubiquity between the desktop and the mobile app as I already stated: being able to do most of my updates to the list on the laptop but having access to the list when I'm out and about and have a spare moment, I can then pray and keep focused on what I should be praying about, for, etc.
Anyway, thank you for responding to my post. Its great to talk to people on this forum who are positive and helpful.
Steven
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You have acronym codes for info. Here is an idea from way, way out in left field.
Cops use the 10 code system. Make up your own code system.
You're a pastor, so all codes start with 7. [Coz 7 is the number of God]
7-100 is finances/bankruptcy. [Coz 100 cents in a buck]
7-1 is martial problems. [Coz if they aren't careful they will be one not two]...Or use 7-6 for this, as six is close to sex.
The idea is to make a number with a hook. 7-21 is for gambling. [Coz of the card game 21]
7-45 is for criminal activity. [Coz .45 is a gun]
7-RS is s/he constantly parties, in the bars. [Coz the Rolling Stones partied really heavily, especially Keef]
I'll leave it at that.
Okay, Scooter....
Just wanted to tell you. I read this to my wife when it showed up in my email and she was laughing her head off. This is a great code system! [:P]
Steven
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This is a great code system!
How about:
7oo or 700 for drugs. I invented this re Ozzy Osbourne, veteran drug user.
7KM is for alcoholic. Keith Moon, the frenetic Who drummer, died an alcoholic. Or use an entertainer from your era.
7GH is for mental illness. I had briefly met a man who later went on to kill someone, while in the thrall of a recognized DSM-5 mental illness. He did the killing on a Greyhound bus. Hence GH.
7MM stand for married, having an affair. My grade 11 teacher was having one. I changed the initial of her last name to M. MM could stand, as well, for married man or woman.
Make the story vivid + you will remember.
Well, 007, I'll leave you to it.
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