If you drove to work alone this morning, I invite you to consider an alternative that will change the way you view the daily commute. I'm not talking about car pools or mass transit, but about sharing a ride with the Lord God Almighty. The benefits will last an eternity!

Each day, millions of Americans spend between ten and ninety minutes fighting rush-hour traffic or cruising the country miles. Harnessing this otherwise wasted time can unlock a treasure chest of growth opportunities and bring you closer to God. As an alternative to the shock-radio disc jockey or the world-in-one-hour news, try the following list of suggested activities, categorized Monday through Friday. The time invested may strengthen your walk (or ride) with the Lord.

Monday: A Day of Prayer and Praise

"Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise" (Jas 5:13).

Are you one of those fortunate few who rise early on Monday morning eager and full of excitement for the week ahead? If so, I'd be anxious to learn your secret. For the rest of us, a positive outlook often requires a conscious effort. Praising God for the blessings He has bestowed on us is one way to get Monday off to a good start.

• Praise Him for who He is: our Counselor, Creator, and Savior. Give thanks for your church family or for those to whom you might witness. If you're ready to take a step of faith, exalt Him for the challenges in your life and the problems yet to be resolved. Once you set your mind to it, you'll be amazed at how many reasons you can find for praising God.

• Prayer is our line of communication with God. The Bible portrays God's people praying in the Temple, on the beach, from the mountaintops—even while in chains. So why not in the car? Often, when we are stressed or overcommitted, our prayer life suffers. Just when we should be putting extra emphasis on prayer, we allow the problems of this life to detract from our time with Him. Let God in on your weekly planning by talking to Him about the obstacles you will face in the week ahead.

• This is also a great time to pray for those things that aren't getting enough attention in your regular prayer life. Do you have a heart for missions? Pray for missionaries you know or whom your church sponsors. Are you interested in serving in a new area? Ask God to show you His purpose for your life. One thing to remember, though: Pray with your eyes open!

Dashboard Outline: Transfer this handy outline to a three-by-five-inch index card or clip it and post it to your dashboard or car visor for ready reference.

Tuesday: Bible Study on Wheels

"Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ" (Ro. 10:17).

• Walk into a Christian bookstore and you will find several versions of the Bible on cassette: the King James Version, the New International Version, and nearly any other translation you want. Would you prefer a dramatization, read with feeling and emotion, or a simple narrative? Perhaps you'd like some background music that sets the mood of the passages. All are available in Old or New Testament collections or in combined sets. It's difficult to lose your patience with other drivers when God's Word is emanating from your speakers.

• Many Christian authors have released their works on tape. If you've been meaning to read the latest offering from Chuck Swindoll or James Dobson, look for it on cassette.

• Since I attend a Bible study on Tuesday evenings, I use this time to review my weekly lesson. You might choose to do the same, or possibly rehash the previous week's sermon.

• Knowledge drills also lend themselves well to your commute. How many of the names for God can you recall? Try to recite the books of the Bible or identify the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Willmington's Book of Bible Lists is a great reference tool if you're looking for ideas in this area.

Wednesday: Make a Joyful Noise!

"Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord" (Eph. 5:19).

• Each Sunday morning, while trying to sing in tune, I wonder if this is the week I will be asked from the pulpit never to sing again! I have a terrible voice, yet I enjoy lifting it in song to the Lord. Alone in the car, there are no complaints. In fact, I sound pretty good! God isn't concerned with perfect pitch, so if you're a closet soloist, sing your favorite hymns while driving.

• If you're not in a Pavarotti mood, consider playing some inspirational music. Christian music isn't just gospel anymore. Every taste imaginable—from country to rock-and-roll—is available on cassette. Whether you prefer the contemporary sounds of Amy Grant or the ballads of Ray Boltz, you can find them in the Christian bookstore and in some larger secular record shops.

Thursday: If My Memory Serves Me

"Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" (Eph. 6:17).

• The Word of God is the ultimate owner's manual. It provides manufacturer's instructions, detailing how we should live and our purpose in this life. Memorizing Scripture ensures ready access to God's Word, regardless of where we are or who we are with. Try keeping a memory verse on an index card clipped to your visor. Read the verse as you enter your vehicle and go over it as you drive. As you build a mental library, review your memory verses from previous weeks.

• How many people have had a positive effect on your life? Set some time aside to consider this question, and make a mental note to call or write these people. Pastors, friends, and family members will be uplifted to know that you appreciate their efforts.

Friday: A Time for Contemplation

"I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways" (Ps. 119:15).

• Thank God it's Friday! Praise Him for the week behind and reflect on the events that took place. What went well? What areas require more attention? Can people see Christ in your life? Have you been an effective witness? Take advantage of this time to contemplate your actions and reactions during the week.

• Quietly listen to God. Sometimes we get so caught up in asking for God's direction that we don't stop to hear His response. As you close out the week, spend a few minutes listening for what God has to say to you.

Feel free to adjust this list to suit your needs; adapt it to your schedule and personal situation. Remember, a walk of faith is seldom a stroll down a peaceful garden path. It is a marathon that involves running, jumping, hiking, crawling—maybe even riding—toward a goal that often seems elusive, but on occasion appears attainable. Take the time to get closer to the God who gave so much for you. Allow yourself the pleasure of commuting with Him. But bear in mind that all the rules of the road still apply. There are better times to minister to highway patrolmen than when they're standing at your window writing a ticket!

G. Ron Darbee is a freelance writer and a supervisor in field engineering. He and his family attend Calvary Community Church in Manteca, California, where Ron works with Christian Service Brigade and the four-year-old Sunday school class.

Ron says, "We live such hectic lives that we tend to let our relationship with God suffer. I spend one-and-a-half hours a day commuting between home and work, and I needed to find a way to make that time productive. I wanted to share a way others can fellowship with God in spite of their busy lives."