The next time you see someone pulled over by a police officer or stranded on the side of the road, pray for them. This is something I have encouraged my children to do since they were young. All it takes is a quick, “Lord, protect them” or “Lord, help them get back on the road safely.” It doesn’t need to be a long or traditional prayer. If one is able to help by calling authorities or changing a tire, etc. all the better. Saying a quick prayer, however, can go a long way. In fact, two distinct personal instances come to mind.
First Instance:
In my book, Look at the SON: The Fruit of Medjugorje I mention the first of these two instances. One dark, snowy evening I was driving my minivan on the Massachusetts Turnpike. My husband and three small children were passengers. Suddenly, something went terribly wrong with our van, and I knew we needed assistance. No sooner had I had this thought when a Turnpike assistance vehicle materialized by my rear bumper flashing its yellow lights. I hadn’t even had a moment to pray for help before this truck appeared. Overcome with emotion, I instinctively knew this vehicle was “sent” because of all the prayers I’d said for years for others pulled over on the side of the road. Our van ended up needing to be towed, and we were driven to the nearest rest stop.
Second Instance:
The second instance also involves praying for others on the side of the road. As I drove down a busy street one afternoon I saw a jogger in the distance. I said a quick prayer for the jogger’s safety and continued on. As I neared the jogger, I realized the runner was my own son! In that instance I understood such prayers were protecting my children as well.
All in all, it doesn’t take long. You don’t even have to stop what you are doing. Just say a quick prayer out loud or in your head. Who knows? You may find your charity returning to you the next time you’re “pulled over”.
