by Elaine Hardt ©2001
Louise phoned to say she got another ding on her car, an ‘81 Chevvie. Our friend had parked at Uptown Plaza to go into A.J.’s Fine Foods for a bottle of her favorite olive oil. When she walked back there was the crease in the driver’s door, and no car was parked beside hers.
“I just said, ‘Lord, what about this?’ and it seemed like He was saying to me, ‘Well, Louise, you weren’t hurt, were you?’ Then I realized that I got what I had prayed for— my safety.”
Her soft southern voice still echoes in my ears. Louise has been God’s child for nearly 70 years and loves to share about her walk with Him. She wasn’t complaining about Him; she was excited about her new understanding about prayer.
“Now, before I get going I pray to have no accidents, no incidents, no tickets and no trouble,” she informed my husband, Don, and me. “And, He’s taken care of it. No more scrapes and dings on Old Faithful. I believe He wants us to pray more specifically.”
For years Don and I had prayed general prayers in the morning before starting off on our day. Now, spurred on by Louise’s example we decided to be more specific. These days when we back out of the garage and wait while the garage door comes down one or the other of us prays for our protection. It’s short and to the point.
Prayer, to us, is not mere formality. We both have a personal relationship with the Lord. All during the day there are many little opportunities to whisper a prayer to our Best Friend. But we are learning to pray more specifically, so we can tell when the prayer is answered.
We’re not just concerned about ourselves. This prayer asks for protection for everyone around us, so we don’t even see an accident. And, that’s how it’s been, ever since Louise shared with us.
Years ago we dedicated ourselves, our house, and all of our “stuff” to the Lord. That includes our car and pickup. Now, when we pray it reminds us to be thankful for all of His blessings.
For all who drive we share our little prayer. But more than that, we recommend our Best Friend.
The Driver’s Prayer
Father, I claim Your total protection
as I go out today.
No accidents, no incidents —
no tickets, no trouble—
not even see an accident.
No delays on the way, a safe trip all the way
over and back.
Post Your angels around this vehicle
while I drive and while it’s parked.
In everything I do let me bring praise to You.
Thanks for taking care of me.
AMEN.
+ + +
“And call upon Me in the day of trouble:
I will deliver thee,
and thou shalt glorify Me,”
Psalm 50:15.
“Henceforth I call you not servants; for the
servant knoweth not what his lord doeth:
but I have called you friends;
for all things that I have heard of my Father
I have made known unto you.”
John 15:15.
+ + +
