A Prayer for Patience during Travel Delays
By Gem Fadling
Bible Reading:
“Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” - Psalm 73:23-26
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Most people balk at the idea of praying for patience. They think that as soon as they pray for such a thing, they’ll get tested, as though God is some cosmic jokester. But let’s remember together that patience is a Fruit of the Spirit. That means it can emerge from within us even in the most unlikely of circumstances. Many of us enjoy traveling during the summer or holiday seasons. We have the chance to visit family and friends, as well as engage in new experiences in other states or countries. And yet, there are few things that can more easily cause a stress response than travel delays and unexpected changes. Most of us like to make a plan and then have it go exactly as we envisioned.
Once, a couple of years ago, I was traveling to Italy to lead a pilgrimage for women. I was partnering with a friend, but we were traveling separately, and it was the first time I had traveled alone internationally. My husband and I had traveled extensively to many different countries, but it is different when you are navigating all the transitions by yourself. Unfortunately, a 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 catch my next flight. My heart rate escalated along with my anxiety. Patience was the furthest thing from my mind. By the time I connected with my friend via phone, she could hear the tone of my voice, and immediately, she said, “Gem, pause for a moment and feel your feet on the floor. You’re okay.”
As soon as I felt my feet on the floor, I began to calm down. My friend helped bring me back to the present moment because she knew that God’s grace would meet me there. And he did. I realized I was actually okay and safe. I was uncomfortable, but discomfort is different than being in danger. Patience can only emerge when I bring myself to presence. It is very difficult to call up patience when you are in the throes of stress. And, so, when you are praying for patience for yourself, it might be good to begin by bringing yourself into the present moment. It is no fun when things go awry, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you are unsafe. It certainly shows that we are not in control, and no one likes that feeling either.
But we might experience the fruit of patience as we engage the life-giving connection with God through these words in Psalm 73:
“Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” (Psalm 73:23-26)
Right there, during your travel delay, what if you stopped for 30 seconds, felt your feet on the floor, and then reminded yourself of God’s nearness? God says he is always with you…close enough to hold hands. He will guide, counsel, and ultimately receive you in glory. Your body and heart may falter, but God is your strength and portion.
I could become patient because I was now centered in the reality of God with me. In this atmosphere, maybe some patience could emerge from within the circumstance as you and God walk it out…together. You are not alone, even when your plans change unexpectedly. God sees, knows, and cares. And God can meet you in your desire for patience as you adjust to the shifting sands of unexpected delays.
Let’s Pray:
Gracious God, thank you that you are always with me. Even when things do not go as planned, I know I am safe in your care. Please continue to grow me in patience. And even more so, I desire to experience your presence with me in whatever circumstance I find myself. It’s easy to be distracted by my situation. Please draw my heart and eyes back to you. Patience is a fruit of the Spirit, and so, Holy Spirit, I ask you to grow patience in me like a beautiful flower in spring. May it emerge in its fullness just when I need it. Thank you, God. You are faithful, and I know and rely on your love. Amen.
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Virojt Changyencham
Gem Fadling is a founding partner of Unhurried Living, Inc., a non-profit that trains people to rest deeper, live fuller and lead better. 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 Unhurried Living Podcast as well as the author of Hold That Thought and co-author of What Does Your Soul Love? Her work has appeared in Propel Women and Our Daily Bread. To connect with Gem and find resources for soul care and leadership, visit unhurriedliving.com or find her on Instagram and LinkedIn.
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Originally published Tuesday, 10 June 2025.
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