Learn to Love Your Daily Commute

Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord. Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly … Lead me in the right path, O Lord, or my enemies will conquer me. Make your way plain for me to follow.

Psalms 5:3-8

Chances are, you have a morning commute. Inching through traffic. Waiting at stoplights. Sitting in turn lanes.

So it is surprising to hear a young teacher, Lindsey, say, “I treasure my morning commutes.” She is the subject of a wonderful video from our friends at Deidox who follow her on the subway to Bronx Middle School 223 as she prepares for the day in prayer.

“Sometimes it’s my only time with God,” Lindsey confesses.

This morning for your Daily Reflection time, we invite you to watch this short video about Lindsey, serving God by serving her students. Lindsey doesn’t feel like she spends enough time with God, but in the video you’ll see how God is with her all day long.

FOR FURTHER REFLECTION: What does your morning look like? Do you find it easy or difficult to dedicate time to God? Do you know any teachers in your local community? How can you encourage a teacher this week?

PRAYER: Dear God, my morning looks different than Lindsey’s morning. But I can still pray as I sip my first cup of coffee, as I drop my kids off for school, and as I drive to work. I know you are always with me—wherever I go and whatever I do. Help me be more aware of your presence. Help me bring my requests to you and wait patiently. Make your way plain for me to follow. Amen.

READ THE SCRIPTURE IN CONTEXT:

O Lord, hear me as I pray;
pay attention to my groaning.

Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God,
for I pray to no one but you.

Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord.
Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly.

O God, you take no pleasure in wickedness;
you cannot tolerate the sins of the wicked.

Therefore, the proud may not stand in your presence,
for you hate all who do evil.
You will destroy those who tell lies.
The Lord detests murderers and deceivers.

Because of your unfailing love, I can enter your house;
I will worship at your Temple with deepest awe.

Lead me in the right path, O Lord,
or my enemies will conquer me.
Make your way plain for me to follow.

My enemies cannot speak a truthful word.
Their deepest desire is to destroy others.
Their talk is foul, like the stench from an open grave.
Their tongues are filled with flattery.

O God, declare them guilty.
Let them be caught in their own traps.
Drive them away because of their many sins,
for they have rebelled against you.

But let all who take refuge in you rejoice;
let them sing joyful praises forever.
Spread your protection over them,
that all who love your name may be filled with joy.

For you bless the godly, O Lord;
you surround them with your shield of love.

Psalm 5