4 Prayers for Safe Travels and Journeys

The Hebrew verb nasa can mean to set out on the beginning of a journey. The verb is used primarily in this way in the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible. It refers to the journey of the Israelites — the start of their journey from Egypt, and the different stages of the journey when the pillar of cloud or fire indicated they should move on.

Most of us have time to prepare before we set out on a journey. But the picture of the Israelites waiting in Egypt for Pharaoh to let them go is of suddenly leaving with no preparation. Exodus 12:39 says: “...they had been driven out of Egypt and did not have time to prepare food for themselves.”

Numbers 33 outlines the stages of the Israelites journey and the 42 times they packed up camp and set out again. It may be hard to imagine what it was like to pack up all one’s belongings — deciding what to take or leave behind, organize children, round up animals, pack food and water, and not be too exhausted to leave at the allotted time. They even had an alarm to get them going (Numbers 10:2-6)! We often find packing a suitcase for a few days to be tiring, and need to set an alarm when our journeys begin early.

Maybe you have never had to leave on a journey without any preparation, although perhaps at short notice. Or perhaps the only time you have had to pack up everything is to move house. Many people in our world have to set out with no preparation and leave everything behind. In particular, we think about those who flee because of war.

In all these situations, whether you are preparing for a pleasant journey, or have to suddenly leave because of dire circumstances, you can be reminded that God is watching over you as with the Israelites (Exodus 12:42). This prayer is for you.

Lord God,

I thank You for watching over me as I prepare for all my journeys whether it is to take a vacation, travel for business, move house, or one which is thrust upon me unexpectedly. Thank You for Your constant vigil while I sleep, when I awake, and as I pack my suitcases. Give me the strength to prepare well for my journeys. When I feel fraught and tired, help me to stay calm knowing that You care for me.

Heavenly Father, I ask You to watch over men, women, and children who have to flee their homes with no preparation — those who are running away from harsh situations and from war, just like the Israelites had to run away from Egypt. I thank You that I can choose what to put in my suitcase, but I pray for those who have to put their whole lives in a suitcase, choosing what to take and what to leave behind. I ask You to care for these people who are destitute.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen

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The word for “road” or “way” in both the Old Testament (derek) and New Testament (hodos) can refer to a physical road (Numbers 21:4, Matthew 21:8) but also figuratively to the actions of a person and the direction they are taking.

In Deuteronomy, the Israelites were instructed to walk in the ways (derek) of the Lord (Deuteronomy 10:12; 11:22; 19:9). Jesus used the word hodos in the following verse “I am the way (hodos) and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).

We usually do not set out on a journey without knowing the way we are going — having directions, planning the route, purchasing tickets, or other details. Even though we are careful in planning our journeys, they often come with obstacles. Delayed flights, inclement weather, and unwanted detours can present challenges and frustrations. It was the same in biblical times. The Israelites became impatient because they had to go around Edom (Numbers 21:4). Jesus “had to go through Samaria” (John 4:4), an unwanted route for most Jews who tried to avoid contact with Samaritans.

However, Jesus’ journey through Samaria gave Him the opportunity to share the truth of who he was with the woman at the well, and through her witness many more came to have faith in Jesus.

Use the prayer below as you plan your way for any physical journey you are taking and for opportunities to show the goodness of God. Pray over your spiritual journey as well. The prayer below is based on Psalm 119:26-32. I have paraphrased it for you:

Heavenly Father,

As I plan the route of my next journey, whether for business or pleasure, I ask that each stage of the trip will go smoothly so I can get to my destination easily. When it does not, help me not to get frustrated and annoyed, but to see the opportunities you have given me to show Your goodness and kindness, just as Jesus did.

Lord God, just as I carefully plan the physical routes for any journey I am taking, teach me the importance of being intentional with Your ways for my life. Help me to understand Your instructions so I can meditate on and follow Your wonderful teachings. Keep me from going the wrong way, or making wrong decisions. In Your goodness, gently guide me. Today, I choose to be obedient and faithfully follow You.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

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Journeys such as road trips, flights, train rides, and more often give the opportunity to talk and share with those with whom we are traveling, and with strangers. They also provide teaching moments, especially for children. Deuteronomy 11:19 says we are to teach God’s words to our children “when you walk along the road...” Our trips provide a chance to focus on and speak about spiritual things, but not just with children.

Jesus took the occasions of journeys to instruct his disciples and others during his ministry and after his resurrection. In particular, we are reminded of Jesus walking with the two disciples on the road to Emmaus as He “explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself” (Luke 24:13-32). There are many other occasions, too, when Jesus used His travels for instruction — not limited to Mark 2:23-28, Mark 9:30-34, Luke 19:1-6.

Journeys also present the opportunity to show compassion and love to others, as with the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37).

Use this prayer for your upcoming journey, to look for chances to show kindness to others, to share the Gospel and your faith with family or friends traveling with you, and even with strangers you meet.

Lord God,

Help me to see the journeys I take as opportunities to show kindness, compassion, and Your mercy, just as Jesus did. I want to bring glory to You by sharing, encouraging, and teaching about Your love and goodness. Give me the chance to talk about what You have done for me and in my life. Help me to share my testimony and my faith with those I am in the car with, sit next to on the plane, and walk with on the road.

I thank You for the example of Jesus, who did so much of His teaching and healing while He was on journeys. Thank you that it is not just about the destination, but all that we can experience on the way. Just as You have walked with those through history who placed their trust in You, be with me and those I am traveling with today.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen

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When we travel and arrive at our destinations we are, in a sense, sojourners. We make a temporary stay in places that are foreign to us, whether they are other countries or different areas of our own country.

To sojourn is a familiar theme throughout the Bible from the Old Testament to the New Testament. Abraham, for example, was a sojourner when he lived in Canaan. He sojourned in other places too: Egypt due to the famine (Genesis 12:10), Gerar (Genesis 20:1), and the land of the Philistines (Genesis 21:34).

All of God’s people were sojourners until they arrived in the Promised Land. Then God reminded them to respect the sojourners among them because they were once foreigners (Exodus 23:9, Deuteronomy 10:19, Leviticus 19:33).

Jesus, too, lived like a sojourner when on this earth. He said: “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head” (Matthew 8:20). He also relied on the hospitality of others to provide a bed and food for him.

The Bible tells us we are foreigners when we don’t know Christ, but as Christians, we have become members of God’s household (Ephesians 2:11-19). Even though we are considered strangers in this world (Hebrews 11:13, 1 Peter 2:11), we are to treat non-Christians well.

As you travel and take up temporary residence in different places, pray that you will be given good treatment and that, likewise, you can show God’s love and goodness to those who are strangers in your own communities and homes.

Lord God,

As I think about temporarily staying in another country, area, or someone’s home, not only do I hope to be treated well, but help me to be respectful to those around me who have different customs and behaviors than myself. I want to be a good witness for You in the way I behave, the actions I take, and the words I say. I also ask for Your continued protection and safety, remembering that Your concern for sojourners was not just for biblical times, but it extends to me today. Keep me and my traveling companions safe. May we be shown the hospitality that we want to extend to those who come into our homes or into our communities and country.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen

Source
Andrew W. Litke, “Journey,” in Lexham Theological Wordbook, ed. Douglas Mangum et al., Lexham Bible Reference Series (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2014).

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