• A Dashboard Prayer
    by Jennifer Phillips
    "With care, I take control of this car,
    knowing its power to assist my life,
    and to endanger me and others.
    I give you thanks for the hands which made it,
    for the natural resources of your creation
    that fuel it,
    and for the privilege to travel so freely
    in a world where many must walk.
    May I never forget the costs of this convenience,
    or my responsibility for its use.
    May I travel safely this day in your care."
  • While Traveling by Car
    by Jennifer Phillips
    "Vigilant God,
    as my body is in motion in this car,
    let my heart always be moving toward you.
    Focus my attention on the road:
    stir me to kindness toward others
    and to a spirit of patience in my car,
    and in all my movements
    through this world.
    Help me to remember I have Jesus
    as my constant companion on the road."
  • Cancelled!
    by Agnes Cunningham
    "Lord,
    I should have known it would happen,
    the weather has been too unpredictable,
    here and there:
    where I begin and
    where I want to go.
    They've made promises —
    the airline personnel,
    harassed, blameless,
    intent on preserving a
    carefully-constructed image
    that only adds to the tension.
    Arrangements will be made:
    if not today, tomorrow.
    For the moment, expectation supplants
    patience.
    We investigate, explore the airport,
    seeking distractions, one ear
    cocked for an announcement.
    Then we are bused off
    to overnight accommodations,
    with food vouchers in one hand,
    luggage in another,
    and turbulent emotions in our hearts.
    Patient and kindly Lord,
    I would learn patience, today.
    'All things are passing,' St. Teresa said.
    When this disappointment has passed,
    let patience take root in me.
    Grant that I may go forward, again,
    in peace.
    Amen."
  • In the Cockpit
    by Agnes Cunningham
    "Lord,
    I caught a glimpse
    of the captain and the crew
    of this ship,
    as I passed the cockpit.
    They looked competent enough,
    appropriately serious,
    but not glum,
    reassuringly at ease, and
    seemingly in control.
    Lord of the airways
    that envelop this world
    and the great expanses of space,
    steady the hands,
    clear the minds,
    sharpen the eyes
    of those who guide our journey.
    Ease their hearts of personal care,
    protect the friends and family
    they have left behind.
    Keep them alert and far from
    boredom as they sit, masterfully,
    before that instrument panel
    in the cockpit.
    Amen."