License Plate Prayers

Lenten Spiritual Practice of the Week

Remember playing the game of spotting out-of-state license plates while on a road trip? I always enjoyed imagining what Idaho... Oklahoma... or New Hampshire might be like and why I was crossing paths with them along our journeys. Many years ago, a colleague mentioned that when she was stopped at a traffic light, she focused on the license plate in front of her and prayed for someone who had the initial for each letter on the plate.

For example, my plate is KNC6204.

My prayers could be for my daughter Kenzie, my friend Nan, my neighboring church clergy friend Chris, the 6 other people who live on my block in West Oak Lane, my 2 parents, the 0 people who fall outside of the love of God, and the 4 members of my closest friend circle.

Next time you are in the car, take a moment to consider who you might lift in prayer based on the letters and numbers directly in front of you.

Are you someone who doesn't spend time in a car? Other options could be to pray for those whose letters show up in the closed captions of your TV, in the book titles on your shelf, or in the mail you receive. Let your mind stretch to unexpected places and people who might benefit from your prayer. Praying for one another (even in a quick moment) can be a powerful way to stay in community together.

There are countless ways to lift up prayers along the way. See how you can make the most of it ... and maybe consider telling someone you prayed for them this week!

Faithfully,

Emily +

The Rev. Emily E. Given