Aboard a late flight, I reflected on how innovation allows us to travel broad distances in a relatively short time. Although there is no distance in the spirit realm (meaning that we can pray about anything regardless of where it may be happening), we also physically cover lots of territories. Imagine if we spoke with God about the places and people we pass as we take trips, run errands, or commute to work. Instead of being frustrated about the unexpected delay of an ambulance, how much more could we support spiritual needs by offering prayers as we see first responders racing by? How would our education system be affected if we offered prayers while sitting in the carpool lane waiting to pick up children from school or seeing students hop on our same train?

Our activities, interests, obligations, and responsibilities provide access to a variety of physical places. If we ask, the Lord will open our eyes to prayer requests that are like ripened fruit – just right for the picking and presenting to God. Psalm 145:18 says “The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” We must guard against being blinded by the familiarity of our routines as well as the distraction of unfamiliar places. If nowhere else, we can start by seeking God’s heart, asking Him to burden our heart for the same things that trouble him. Proverbs 8:13 says “To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.” We don’t have to stand idly by and we don’t have to feel anxious nor powerless. Philippians 4:6-7 says “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

We have a lot of untapped power. While it is important to spend time privately with God, we are also to pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” As we navigate this world, whenever we encounter something troubling, that is our spiritual cue to pray. The prayer need only be sincere, not eloquent nor lengthy. God is not grading our oration ability, He is examining our hearts. He knows our thoughts and motives.

Regardless of where we physically go, because of the portable power of the Holy Spirit that lives within us, we can ask our heavenly Father to make us sensitive to the needs all around us. Romans 8:26 says “And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.” The next time you are heading to the marketplace, remember to use your portable power!