The Bus Prayer That Left a Lasting Impression

I was a student at the time, visiting Pakistan during my long summer break. I'd been at a Christian student conference, and at the end everyone headed off in small groups to spend a few days at a church in the area.

Bobby was the Pakistani student leading my little group of four. We were heading to a church on the edge of Lahore. Bobby knew the city and how to get us there - we had to take one of the brightly coloured, tightly packed buses.

We got to the bus stand - nothing formal, just an open area by the market. Amongst all the commotion and vehicles, Bobby found the bus we needed and we climbed in. There were still four seats together near the back.

The conductor stood outside banging on the side of the bus and calling out loudly to attract passengers, until the bus was filled. It would leave when it was full, not according to any set timetable.

The final seats were taken and the bus started to move off, slowly ploughing a way through the crowds of people. Then Bobby did what I have never forgotten.

"Let's pray..." he said in Urdu. And the four of us leaned our heads towards each other as Bobby led us in prayer - not in a hushed voice, but in his normal tone. With thankfulness Bobby committed our journey to the Lord, and we all ended with a confident "Amen!"

Did other passengers see us praying? Yes! Did other passengers overhear the prayer? Yes! Were we the only Christians on the bus? Probably. Did it matter? Not to Bobby! And so we began our journey.

The bus slowly weaved its way through the chaotic, dusty roads, and as it did so, I pondered Bobby's example.

And I've never forgotten it.

Prayer - normal; natural; anywhere; anytime; now, not saved for later or kept to the start of the day.

And Bobby would have no idea that I still remember his simple act. It's amazing how things can stick.

Probably we are leaving impressions here and there, about which we know nothing. But may they be impressions and examples that point others to Christ and spur on other believers in their faith - as Bobby did for me.

Philippians 3:10

I want to know Christ – yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,

Meet the Author

Jeremy is a guest writer who shares thoughtful reflections on the gospel and its connection to everyday life. Learn more about the author and see what else they've written.

Credits: Bible quotes are from the English Standard Version (ESV), and photos are via Unsplash.