All this past summer, while on an amazing sabbatical that took me to a variety of countries and places within the U.S., I planned to take time to pray in an airport chapel. I flew in and out of airports in Chicago (both Midway and O’Hare), Paris, Rome, London, Cork (Ireland), Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Las Vegas - you'd think I would have found time to pray in one of these places, at least one of the more exotic ones. But no!
On the very last night of my Sabbatical, I flew from Las Vegas where I spent a week with my father, to Midway (Chicago). Fifteen weeks of travel had come to a close. I was by myself, walking down familiar corridors on my way to the luggage claim one last time for now, when I glanced up, for no real reason. A very small sign caught my eye; a sign I had never, in all my years of flying in and out of Midway, ever noticed before; a sign with the words, "Airport Chapel."
So there, in the Midway airport, after my last flight in who knows how long, and so close to home, I finally made it to an airport chapel.
The chapel setting was simple. Chairs in rows, a table to the side with a Bible and a Koran. A guest book to sign. A small, pulpit-type structure in the corner. A prayer rug over to the side. I was the only person in the room. I felt peaceful, and safe.
I sat down on one of the chairs, bowed my head, and prayed a prayer of thanksgiving for my summer, for all the safe travels, for the many wonderful places I got to see, for a home awaiting my return. I prayed a prayer of thanksgiving for my husband and three children, my church family who loves me, a dog who would be very glad to see me, and a wonderful life all around.
Next, I prayed for all the people traveling, those who are far from home, especially people from other countries. I prayed for people who have lost loved ones in airline disasters, and people who journey for sad reasons as well as happy. I prayed for the people who are starting a new life, leaving an old one behind, or just returning to where they left off.
I prayed for pilots and airline crews and the people who haul luggage and fix food for the flights, and everyone who has anything to do with airports and trying to ensure safe and pleasant travel for strangers they will never meet. When I was through praying, I sat in silence for a few moments longer.
I can’t think of a better way to have ended my sabbatical journey.
When I left, I signed the guest book just outside the entrance to the chapel. I picked up some literature that explained the ministry of Midway’s chapel, as well as airport ministry in general. One flyer gave a website: www.airportchapels.org, that explains the ministry at both Midway and O’Hare airports.
In one, small blue handout, I found prayers for travelers. I’d like to share the one prayer with all of you.
“Hear our prayers, as we begin our
journey –
·
Bring us
safely to our destination;
·
Be with
those who are responsible for making our journey possible; the flight crew, airport
workers, and those charged with our safety and security;
·
Accompany
with your consolation and encouragement those among us who make their journey
in sorrow or with a sense of loss;
·
Give us
patience and a deep spirit of respect for all whom we will meet along the way;
·
When our
earthly journey is completed, bring us home to You with joy.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
I’m going to put this prayer card in my luggage, so the next time I travel, I’ll remember to offer this prayer. And maybe I’ll leave myself a little extra time to explore a few more airport chapels before I’m through.
