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."