Today I’m driving
to meet my aunt Ruby for lunch
some distance away.

Turning on the car radio
I find that the programmes on offer are,
in the words of my Daddy,
“aul brock”
(that is, rubbish!)

I decide to pray instead.

And so, as I drive through Belfast,
the prayers begin:
an Our Father, a Hail Mary,
a Glory Be and a Memorare.
Then the same thing again
and again,
all very unrushed
and unhurried.

I’m offering up these prayers
for a safe journey
and for the time I’ll spend
with my aunt Ruby.

As I arrive at Dundonald I’m praying
Our Father … Hail Mary …
Glory Be … and a Memorare …

Soon I’m driving into Newtownards, praying
Our Father … Hail Mary …
Glory Be … and a Memorare …

And as I drive
I feel that I am surrounding myself
with God the Father, Jesus, the Holy Spirit
and Our Lady
(I feel I’m in safe hands!)

Meeting Ruby for lunch
we have a great chat
about faith, family
and everything in-between.
I feel that our wee chat
is blessed time.

Then, back to Belfast
in the car
following the same prayerful rhythm
as before –
Our Father … Hail Mary …
Glory Be … and a Memorare …

Such a peaceful, prayerful journey
in the company of the Holy Trinity
and Our Lady
(I’m so glad that this morning
there was only “aul brock”
on the radio!)

© Claire Murray