What does it mean to drive prayerfully? Driving prayerfully is intentionally using your driving time to intercede for others wherever you may be. The goal is simply to pray for others based on what you know or observe. Of course, you will want to be sure you are also driving carefully and observing all traffic rules and regulations — that means your eyes should stay open!

Some may ask, “Why do we need to prayer drive?” A survey from AAA noted that the average American driver spends more than 293 hours behind the wheel annually. Can you imagine recapturing some of that time with the Lord by intentionally praying for your neighbors and those you encounter as you drive?

Paul, in his first letter to the Thessalonians, encouraged them to “pray without ceasing.” This imperative holds true for us today. It is important in our busy lifestyles to look for creative ways that we can intercede and pray for others and, in doing so, join Jesus on His mission as we go.

So, how do you prayer drive? What do you pray for? You can pray about anything; however, as you drive, take note of the community around you. Observe the homes you drive by and lift up the families based on what you see. As you drive by a school or college, think about what their spiritual needs might be. As you pass churches or ministries, how might you intercede for them? When you pass your local emergency service workers, think about the various activities they might encounter today and lift them up to the Lord. The key is to simply pray.

It is important in our busy lifestyles to look for creative ways that we can intercede and pray for others and in doing so, join Jesus on His mission as we go.

Here are some things to pray for:

• Salvation for the lost
• Healing of the sick
• Restoration of relationships
• Safety and peace
• Homelessness and poverty
• Open doors for the gospel

Chris Schofield, director of the Office of Prayer at the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina, gives us an insightful tool. Schofield uses the acrostic of H.E.A.R.T.S. that applies well to prayer driving.

• Pray for receptive Hearts. (Luke 8:5-15)
• Pray for their spiritual Eyes and Ears to be opened. (Matthew 13:15; 2 Corinthians 4:3-4)
• Pray for unbelievers to have and understand God’s Attitude toward sin. (John 16:8)
• Pray for the lost to be Released from barriers and strongholds that hinder faith. (2 Timothy 2:25-26)
• Pray for unbelievers to experience a Transforming life in Christ. (Romans 12:1-2)
• Pray for Christian witnesses to be Sent to share Christ with the lost. (Matthew 9:35-38)

You may start off slowly as you begin to prayer drive, but I can assure you that as you practice this method you will not be wondering what to pray for. Instead, you will wonder how you can find more time to pray. It is my hope that as God hears our prayers, He will stir the hearts of our communities for Him.