Don't Forget Those Traveling Prayers!

When the children were young and we traveled to see the folks or go on vacations, we always started out the journey with a prayer, our traveling prayer that went something like this.

“Father, we ask that You go before us and surround us with Your Love and Angels. Protect us from any breakdown, flat tires, bad traffic, bad weather, any delays, or evil and bring us home safely. Thank You God, Amen.”

To this day we remind each other not to forget to say those traveling prayers whenever we know someone is traveling to whatever destination they are headed to. Or even if it is a short journey like going to work etc, for in the bigger cities—it is very important to seek protection as rush hour traffic can be horrendous; and with texting even a trip to the grocery store needs God’s protection.

We found that as we traveled more, the prayer got a little longer as we encountered the rare unusual incidents that took us by surprise. After a 2000 mile safely made trip, in the last 100 miles a rock kicked up by a truck, chipped a window. So, protect us from chipped windows was added to the list, along with grumpy drivers and passengers. We also learned to add, please provide the necessary rest areas when the need is urgent Lord and thank You especially for having seen to it that they were built years before we came this way. That was really thoughtful, Lord. (After several incidents of rest areas popping up when I really needed them---I did come to believe just that---God knew there was going to be a need for us at moment in time—and planners were led to built them here and there. Say what you may, laugh at that thought—but God does go before you to prepare the ways He promised.)

It dawned on me one day, just how much we could adapt that traveling prayer to connect with our daily journey in life. For, we encounter in our daily life many of the similar problems that pop up. But they need to be seen in a different context.

Say for instance the prayer could be something like this. “Father please go before us this day and surround us with Your Love and Your Angels to protect us from all harm and evil and temptations that will come. Please keep us safe from storms that come from built up anger and resentment and give us the grace to see what we do to help in creating those storms. Protect us from road blocks of strong emotions that keep us flat and unable to continue on life’s paths in sweet harmony in Your Presence. Protect us from flying critical words that discourage, or chip away at our joy. We ask that you see to our every need and help us to be very aware and appreciative of every tiny detail that goes into Your Plan for our life. Help us most of all Lord, to not be afraid, anxious, worried, bossy, whiney or controlling, or allow the behaviors that get in the Way of Your Will being done. Keep our minds and attitudes lined up between Your lines, Your directions and on the straight and narrow. Give us this day the grace to love as You loved, see with Your eyes and hear with Your ears. May we think more of others then ourselves, and see to caring for their needs as You would. Thank you God dear Father, for hearing this prayer. Amen.

What do you think? Your life need some traveling prayers? Safe traveling ya’ll and don’t forget to say those traveling prayers.