Article April 18, 2011 Issue

One day with the Lord (Got a minute?)

Gary Duke

Excerpted from a web original that originally appeared on January 31, 2011

Many years ago I had a chance to see how prayer—even for just a minute—can lead us to a loving spiritual response. I was driving to a business appointment and passing through a busy intersection when I saw a man suddenly collapse on the sidewalk. Someone came to his aid immediately for which I was secretly grateful, not only for the benefit of the fallen man, but because that meant I didn’t have to get involved and possibly delay or miss my meeting. 

All of a sudden a wave of shame came over me, and I hoped I would have another opportunity to serve correctly, as a “good Samaritan” might, versus passing by on the other side, as did the priest and Levite in Jesus’ parable (see Luke 10:30–37).

That opportunity presented itself the very next day. It was Saturday morning, about 7:00, and there was no traffic or anyone in sight. I was leaving the driveway of an investment property after inspecting it for possible purchase. To my left, a half-block away, I was surprised to see a man sitting on the hood of his car with no shirt, no shoes, and wild-looking hair. To my right was clear sailing—nothing obstructing my path home.

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