For the Rev. David G. Hawkins, taking the bus is an opportunity for prayer. Photo: Matej Kastelic/Shutterstock
“Where you go, I go”
-Ruth 1:16 (The Message Bible)
“Wherever I am, God is”
-James Dillet Freeman
Frequently, I take the bus. Not as a commuter to work but asa sightseer, for pleasure. I go along, just for the ride. I am driven, not towhere I have to go or need to go, but to where I want to go.
Here is leisure and time enough to transform my journey intoan opportunity for and an occasion of intercessory prayer. But I am beaten toit by Coast Mountain Transit. The company has, for the benefit of seniors, thedisabled and infant strollers, designated vehicles as “dedicated” and”kneeling.”
Who do I pray for?
I pray for the dialer commuter, those whose work is stressful,unsatisfying and burdensome; those on sick and compassionate leave, facingredundancy, retirement and disciplinary action. I pray for families who neversee paycheques.
I pray for the company’s management, maintenance crews,customer service representatives, transit police, cleaners and my jolly, youngdriver whose roomy T-shirt proclaims “No means NO!” Give to each, patience andjust reward.
I look around. My fellow passengers represent differentfaiths and cultures. Pray for newcomers to our shores, for the disabled, theslow.
I look up. A route map is displayed. I name the stoppingplaces one by one-those who live and work there.
I look out. I pray for the neighbourhoods and places.
“Where’er they seek they,
you art found”
-William Cowper, 1769.