Prayer for patience during delayed trips
Due to the pain of the jewel
Bible Reading:
“But I am always with you. You hold me with your right hand. You guide me with counsel, and then you lead me to glory. Who do I have in heaven? – Psalm 73:23-26
Read or listen to the following:
Most people acknowledge the idea of praying for patience. They believe that as soon as they pray for such things, they will be tested, as if God is a joke in the universe. But together, let’s remember that patience is the fruit of the spirit. In other words, even in the most unlikely situations, they can emerge from within us. Many of us enjoy traveling during the summer and holiday seasons. We have the opportunity to visit family and friends and engage in new experiences in other states and countries. Still, few can cause a stress response more easily than delayed trips or unexpected changes. Most of us want to make plans and let them go as we imagined.
A few years ago I was traveling to Italy and leading a pilgrimage for women. I was affiliated with a friend and we were traveling separately, but this was the first time I’d traveled alone internationally. My husband and I have traveled extensively to many different countries, but when we are navigating all the transitions ourselves, it is different. Unfortunately, the delay at one of my airports caused a cascade that completely derailed my trip. At one point, I landed at an unplanned airport without enough time to board my next flight. My heart rate escalated with my anxiety. Patience was the farthest from my heart. By the time I connected with my friends on the phone, she could hear my voice tone and immediately she said, “Gem, pause and feel your feet on the floor. You’re fine.”
As soon as I felt my feet on the floor I began to calm down. My friend helped me bring me back to the present moment, knowing that God’s grace would meet me there. And he did. I have actually found it okay and safe. I was uncomfortable, but discomfort is different from being at risk. Patience can only manifest when I exist. When you are in the pain of stress, it is very difficult to call patience. And so, when you are praying for patience for yourself, it may be a good thing to start by bringing yourself into the present moment. It’s not fun to get things going crazy, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re not safe. It certainly shows that we are out of control and that no one likes that feeling.
However, we may experience the fruit of patience when we are involved in the life-giving connection with God through these words in poem sal73.
“But I am always with you. You hold me with your right hand. You guide me with counsel, and then you lead me to glory. Who do I have in heaven? (Psalm 73:23-26)
What if you immediately stop for 30 seconds during a delay in your trip, feel your feet on the floor, remind yourself of God’s proximity? God says he will always be with you… close enough to hold your hand. He will guide you, advise you, and come to you in the end. Your body and mind may relax, but God is your strength and part of you.
I was now focused on God’s reality with me, so I could hold back. In this atmosphere, when you and God leave it together, some patience may emerge from within the situation. If your plans change unexpectedly, you are not alone. God sees, knows, cares. And God can meet you in your desire for patience as you adapt to the changing sand of unexpected delays.
Let’s pray:
Greedy God, I would like to thank you for always being with me. Even if things don’t go as planned, I know I’m safe in your care. Keep raising me with patience. And even more, I want to experience your presence with me in any situation where I have found myself. It’s easy to be distracted by my situation. Please bring my heart and eyes back to you. Because perseverance is the fruit of the spirit, the Holy Spirit, I ask you to cultivate my patience like the beautiful flowers of spring. I hope it will show up in your bloating when necessary. Thank you, God. You are faithful and I know and depend on your love. Amen.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Virojt Changeencham
Gem Fadling is Hurrided Living, Inc. is the founding partner of. This is a nonprofit that trains people to take a deeper break, more fulfilling and better leads. She is a trained spiritual director and a certified life coach who trains people at the intersection of spiritual leadership and soul care. GEM is the co-host of the relaxed living podcast and, like the author of Hold Thind Thinks and Couthor, what does your soul love? Her work appears in our daily bread with Propel Women. To connect with GEM and find resources for soul care and leadership, visit HolriedLiving.com or find her on Instagram and LinkedIn.
Pray through Psalm 15: Prayer to those who never shake up
Are you tired of being spiritually exhausted? You’ve come to the right place! Join us in the age of prayer, reflection and meditation. Put your day’s luggage behind you, refresh, update, and reconnect with God. Who is the one who never shakes you up? Explore poem sal 15 with today’s 10 minutes of devotion. If you like what you hear, you won’t miss an episode.
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