The life of a trucker is a journey filled with long stretches of highway, endless miles of asphalt, and moments of solitude that can stretch into hours. For many, the open road can be a place of loneliness, but for me, it has become a sanctuary of peace and prayer—a place where my Orthodox faith thrives amidst the hum of the engine and the vastness of the landscape.
Maintaining a rhythm of prayer on the road is essential for keeping my spiritual life grounded. Orthodox Christianity offers a structured prayer routine that I adapt to my unpredictable schedule. The Jesus Prayer, “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner,” becomes a constant companion, whispered under my breath as I drive. This simple yet profound prayer helps me stay centered and connected to God, no matter where I am. Daily, I integrate the Jesus Prayer into my routine, fostering a constant connection to my faith.
My truck is more than a workplace; it is my mobile chapel. In the cab, I’ve set up a small prayer corner adorned with icons of Christ, the Theotokos, and saints who hold special significance for me. These icons serve as windows to heaven, offering spiritual presence and comfort. Each night when I park, I light a small electric candle before my icons, taking moments for prayer and reflection, transforming my truck into a sacred space.
One of the biggest challenges I face is maintaining a routine amidst the unpredictable trucking schedule, with delivery times and routes constantly changing. To adapt, I’ve learned flexibility in my prayer times. While I strive for set prayer times, I also seize quiet moments throughout the day—whether a brief prayer at a rest stop or meditation during a mandatory break. Matthew 6:6 often comes to mind: “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” While my truck may not be a traditional room, it is a sacred space where I seek God.
A cherished part of my spiritual routine is saying evening prayers with my son over the phone. This ritual strengthens our bond and reinforces our family’s faith. Despite the physical distance, we connect through prayer—a shared spiritual experience that keeps us close and grounded. This practice reminds me that faith and family transcend any distance.
Staying connected to my Orthodox community is crucial in the isolated nature of my work. Technology has become a blessing, enabling me to participate in online services and prayer groups, even when I can’t be physically present at my home parish. Regular email and telephone conversations with Father Gregory provide spiritual guidance and support, anchoring me in my faith. These interactions are lifelines that keep me connected to my spiritual home.
In today’s digital age, prayer apps on my phone have become invaluable tools. They offer prayers for various situations, ensuring I always have access to needed words and guidance. Whether a prayer for safe travels or a moment of thanksgiving, these apps keep me connected to my spiritual practices wherever I am. They’re like pocket-sized prayer books, ready to guide me at any moment.
The open road sometimes leads to feelings of isolation and spiritual dryness. During such times, I turn to the lives of saints for inspiration. Saints like Seraphim of Sarov and Herman of Alaska, who found God in wilderness and solitude, remind me that the road can also be a place of profound spiritual growth. Their stories give me strength and perspective, transforming loneliness into an opportunity for deeper communion with God.
Patience and trust in God’s plan are central themes in my trucking journey. Whether waiting at a shipper or eagerly anticipating news from the Archdiocese about my seminary application, these moments of waiting become opportunities for deeper prayer and contemplation. They teach me humility, reminding me that God’s timing is perfect and His plans are greater than my own. As Psalm 27:14 says, “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”
Finding peace and prayer on the open road is a journey in itself. It demands flexibility, creativity, and a deep commitment to staying connected with God amidst the demands of trucking life. My Orthodox faith provides a rich tapestry of prayers, traditions, and spiritual resources that sustain me on this journey. Through the rhythm of prayer, the support of my family and faith community, and the inspiration of saints who have gone before me, I continue to navigate the open road with a heart open to God’s presence and a spirit grounded in faith.
As I reflect on my trucking journey, I am reminded of the Apostle Paul’s words in Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” In the midst of my travels, amidst the challenges and uncertainties, I find solace in prayer, knowing that God’s peace accompanies me on every mile of the road.
Trusting the process and patiently waiting are not just virtues I practice on the road; they are integral to my spiritual journey. Whether I’m waiting at a shipper or eagerly anticipating news about my seminary application, these moments of waiting become opportunities for deeper prayer and contemplation. They teach me humility, reminding me that God’s timing is perfect and His plans are greater than my own.
In the solitude of the open road, I often find myself pondering the mystery of God’s presence in all things. The beauty of creation unfolds before me—the majestic mountains, the expansive plains, the breathtaking sunsets—each a testament to God’s glory. I am reminded of Psalm 19:1: “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” Nature becomes a living icon, drawing me closer to the Creator and inviting me into moments of awe and gratitude.
My trucking journey is not just a career; it is a pilgrimage of faith—a journey where prayer, patience, and trust intersect. Each mile traveled, each moment of waiting, and each encounter along the way are opportunities for spiritual growth and communion with God. Through the rhythm of prayer, the support of my family and faith community, and the inspiration of saints who have gone before me, I continue to navigate the open road with a heart open to God’s presence and a spirit grounded in faith.
Thanks for reading my friends, I hope you are doing well, especially as we celebrate the Ascension of our Lord. All my love,
– Orthodox Trucker
Orthodox Trucker 