Prayer for some is a mantra or phrase often repeated, to focus our spiritual awareness and to get God’s attention. Prayer for others is formally precise and carefully formulated to be worthy of reaching the courts of heaven.
But Jesus taught that prayer is simple and specific, direct and honest, down-to-earth, reverent yet confidently trusting our heavenly Father with the opportunities, needs, challenges and temptations of the day. The kind of staying-in-touch communication all along our daily road. This is the prayer of a young truck driver in Ghana:
Lord, the motor under me is running hot. Lord, there are twenty-eight people and lots of luggage in the truck. Underneath are my bad tires. The brakes are unreliable. Unfortunately I have no money, and parts are difficult to get.
Lord, ‘Jesus is mine” is written on the vehicle, for without him I would not drive a single mile. The people in the back are relying on me. They trust me because they see the words: ‘Jesus is mine.’ Lord, I trust you!
First comes the straight road with little danger. I can keep my eyes on the women, children and chickens in the village. But soon the road begins to turn, it goes up and down, it jumps and dances, this death-road to Kumasi.
Tractors carrying mahogany trunks drive as if there were no right or left. Lord, Kumasi is the temptation to take more people than we should. Let’s overcome it!
The road to Accra is another problem. Truck drivers try to beat the record, although the road is poor and has many holes and there are many curves before we come to the hills.
And finally to Akwasim. Passing large churches in every village, I am reminded of you, and in reverence I take off my hat. Now downhill in second gear.
One more temptation: the straight road to the capital city. Lord, keep my feet steady on the pedals even on the straight road.
Lords, I sing hallelujah when the ride is ended for you brought the truck and the people in safety through the hustle and bustle of the city. Lord, all is mercy, because
‘Jesus is mine.” Hallelujah! Amen.
-- from The Oxford Book of Prayer
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