The Awakening of John - Episode 1

 

John was running late. Again. He was so late that he was regretting squeezing in his quiet time before leaving.  He was caught up in the school run traffic and unless he got a parking place near the office, he’d be late. And not just for the start of work, but for the interview that so much rested on.

He knew deep down that it was his own fault, but that was just adding to the angst. He decided to pray as he drove, briefly closing his eyes and putting his hands together before remembering that he was driving. He opened his eyes and put his hands back on the wheel, hoping that God would overlook the non-standard prayer posture. He wanted to do it right in order to make it more likely that his prayer would be answered, even whilst recognising this sounded a lot like superstition. Distracted, he began:

“O Lord, maker of heaven and earth, sovereign Lord, the one who…” he interrupted his own prayer, realising that time was of the essence, “Actually, what I really need right now is a parking place near the office, in Jesus’ name, amen.”

He turned the corner to see Mubina skilfully reversing into the last available space. “*!@!” John exclaimed, hitting the steering wheel hard as he did so, accidentally sounding the horn.

“Easy, tiger” said the man sat beside him in the previously empty passenger seat.

“What the…” exclaimed John

“Keep your eyes on the road,” said the stranger. “I mean, I’ve never actually driven a car, but I’m pretty sure that’s good advice. Even when you’re praying.” John returned his gaze to the road, glancing over to get another glimpse of his passenger. “Who, how, I mean, what… who?”

“Yeah, that’s about as coherent as your prayer earlier.” The stranger chuckled. “You want to know who I am?”

“Yes! And how did you…” the sound of a car horn interrupted his question as the stranger shouted, “Road, eyes on road!” John refocussed and the stranger sighed, “What’s the phrase you use when you didn’t hear what someone asked you to pray for?”

“What?” asked John, floundering as he turned back onto the main road towards the distant multi storey car park.

“You know, the catch-all prayer…” Sheepishly, John could see where this was heading and hesitantly offered, “Come, Holy Spirit…”

The stranger laughed, “That’s the one – well, here I am”

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