Praying in Traffic .... Really

I once heard a preacher state emphatically that "Christians can never have a quiet time while in rush hour traffic!" I almost responded aloud with, "Uhh, I believe you're wrong on that point." It might be harder for some to pray in traffic, especially if they prefer the tranquility of a quiet mountainside spot, but as I've done a rewind on my relationship with God, one of the most common locations where I enjoy an awesome communion with Him has been while driving. Why, even the "Great Awakening" that happened to me back in 2005 happened while aboard a north-bound bus full of teenagers on Interstate 95. (For that story).

The Crazy Drivers Prayer

So, how does praying in traffic come about? Does it start off with something like, "You lousy driver! Use the eyes God gave you and stay in your lane!"? Perhaps it does. I've certainly, and in total honesty, prayed like that before. After all, it's not like God doesn't know my heart in a frustrated state like that.

But more than calling down driving judgment in anxiety and anger, I find that a different perspective has been percolating into my heart… a more compassionate take on that swerving car. Did I notice that the driver was distracted by children in the vehicle? "Lord, looks like that driver is dealing with some serious distractions. Help them to drive calmer and arrive safely. Bring quiet to the distractions in the back seat."

Ever see the fast approaching cars in your rear view mirror? Perhaps it's a couple of loud sports cars jockeying recklessly from lane to lane. "I remember how that seemed so fun when I was young, God, but please get a hold of these young people's hearts. Show them how missed they would be if they crashed, died or were injured. Bring a sense of responsibility to them because they are endangering not only their own lives, but those all around them."

The Old Driver Prayer

I certainly see my share of senior citizens while traveling the Florida roads. Most do as well or better than the younger ones sometimes, but occasionally there will be one driver that stands out. Sometimes they're making an illegal u-turn with traffic honking loudly. Other times they're looking around in a confused manner, unsure of how to proceed. "God, you have the ability to help this person right now. Give them wisdom in navigating this road. Help them in their time of need."

U-Haul Prayer

I'm not sure where I read or heard it, but the notion of praying for those in small moving trucks stuck in my heart. Having felt the burden of moving one's earthly possessions from one location to another, I know that it's not without difficulty and sometimes hardship. I'll sometimes smile at the passengers and say silently, "Guide them to their new home or wherever they are going, Father. Ease their burden and encourage them that it's all going to be all right."

Praying in Traffic… You Don't Have To Be Moving!

While waiting at a stoplight I once looked to my left and saw a teenage boy staring out the passenger window. The driver - I guessed his Dad - seemed to be very upset at something as he made stabbing motions with his fingers and hand. The boy's face and stare remained impassive, unchanging, staring off into space. "Father, heal the rift that seems apparent in this relationship. Bring love, understanding and compassion to this boy and his Dad. Bring them through this relationship's trial."

Another time, while stopped in traffic, I looked into my rearview mirror and spotted a mother and daughter laughing and singing together. The Mom was tapping her hands in time to the music on the steering wheel, a smile of contentment on her face. Next to her, braces flashed from the young girl. It was such a tender and sweet moment that it made my eyes watery. "Jesus, how beautiful children are and thank you that these two behind me are enjoying one another's company with such lovely abandon. Multiply the love that these two share and give them Your joy. Smile on them and enjoy their sweet fellowship."

Emergency Vehicles

Many people have told me that they always pray for Police officers and ambulances when they hear the sirens and see the flashing lights. I'll tell you this, now that I have a firefighter in the family, I see fire trucks in a whole different way. "These people are doing their best to help others, God. Thank you for them. Guide and keep them safe."

The Traffic Prayer Recipe

So, what's the secret to doing all this right? There is none.

Can you have a quiet time and pray while in choking traffic? Sure you can. Communion and fellowship with God doesn't depend on the place… it depends on the heart.

So just be conscious of what God asks you to do -- of what He points out.

Who knows, you might find yourself "driven" to pray more often than you thought.

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More of my Articles Involving Prayer:

Creatively Praying for a Group of Teenagers
The Reckless Teenager Nearly Killed by a Train
Praying for Someone via Text Messages
Praying for Strangers in a Small, South Carolina Town
"Singing" to a Cup - How Praying Creatively Brought an Unforgettable Experience
God and the Stuck Spark Plug - A Lesson in Prayer