Driving and Praying
Father Matt recommends prayer alone and together
Driving and Praying
By Father Matt Rudzik
For many people today, prayer does not begin in a church pew or a quiet room at home. It begins in the car. With busy schedules and constant demands, the drive to work or school often becomes the only uninterrupted moment of the day. Playing something uplifting, encouraging, or prayer-inviting through the speakers can change the tone of that drive. Many people find they drive more calmly and arrive more centered when prayer or reflective words accompany them on the road.
These are a good starting point. I drive more peacefully when there is something uplifting or encouraging coming through the sound system. Prayers in the car gently invite God into ordinary moments and remind us that spirituality does not belong only in certain places. Yet, like any spiritual practice, they are meant to grow. After a few months, whatever form of spirituality one enjoys, it is good to take it home and create a space there for a deeper encounter with God. Car and walking prayers can and should continue, but prayer deserves more than divided attention. Giving prayer our full focus allows it to shape us more deeply.
Community prayer also plays an important role. Bible study groups and Rosary prayer groups, for example, offer ways to move from private devotion to shared faith. Spend some time reflecting on devotions that carry you through life and consider whether others might benefit from joining you. Praying is powerful alone, but together with others is even better. With simple invitations—announced in person or through social media—prayer groups can form and flourish. In this way, prayer grows from something done alone in the car into a shared practice that strengthens individuals and builds community.
Fr Mateusz Rudzik is the pastor of St. Joseph in Tuskegee and St. Vincent de Paul in Tallassee. A native of Poland, he has been serving as a pastor in central Alabama since 2016. His radio program, “Our Life’s Journey,” airs on WACQ-AM 580 & FM 98.5 in Tallassee and at www.wacqradio.com.
