Prayer Said While Waiting for My Chicken Tenders at the Sonic Drive-In

Provider of all things, Giver of all blessings, Gracious God,

I sit here waiting for my chicken tenders and my tater tots.

I give thanks that the speaker on the box worked this time so I could place my order.

I especially am grateful that a friendly voice was on the other side of the speaker.

Now, I wait to see if she got my order right. She says a side of tater tots comes with the chicken tenders. Let her be right, dear Lord, because you know I like tater tots.

I thank you for the breeze that whips through my opened window on this very hot afternoon.

I hear some workers taking their break nearby, sitting on the concrete.

I know their legs must be tired from all the steps they took today to bring food to customers sitting in their cars. Give them strength enough to finish the day. Let their break grant rest to their spirits as well as their bodies.

Help the young carhop who seems to struggle each time with making the proper change. I’ve tried to keep it simple for her. But not everyone is good at math, Lord. Calm her fears as she counts the coins and bills and let her see the other gifts you have given her. Also, let the change be correct this time so I don’t have to embarrass her.

I especially ask you–if you see fit for so small a favor–that the tater tots be hot. Even you preached against lukewarmness.

As I wait, grant me the patience to see this moment as a gift, a blank space that I can fill in with gratitude for the day behind me and for the day before me. Let my mind be still in your quiet presence here at the Sonic Drive-In.

Also, remember those who do not have a Sonic in their town and so do not know the taste of a delicious burger or the smoothness of a hot fudge sundae.

And for those who have no food today to ease the hunger in their stomachs or in their hearts, give them caring people who know how to share, how to care, how to serve others.

For this day and for these minutes as I wait for my chicken tenders in my car at Sonic, I offer praise and thanks to you, God of all times and all places, for every moment of my life that comes from you and because every moment you give me is holy.

Amen.

— Jeremy Myers