Traveling Mercies

One of the more familiar images of the Christmas season is that of Mary, pregnant with Jesus, riding on a donkey that’s being led by Joseph.  They’re on their way from Nazareth to Bethlehem, a journey of some 90 miles that would have taken the better part of a week. Not an easy trip and full of unknowns.  Some depictions of their journey show a bright star in the sky as a sign of God’s presence and care for them as they help fulfill God’s saving purposes. 

In the days ahead, many reading this will also be traveling—some going short distances to friends or family who are nearby, others traveling across time zones to be with loved ones.  However long or short the travels are, it is always good to pray for “traveling mercies”.  The Book of Common Prayer has a particular prayer “For Those Who Travel”.  It’s good to pray whether it’s you who are about to travel or others who are traveling to visit you.

“Oh God our heavenly Father, whose glory fills the whole creation, and whose presence we find wherever we go: preserve those who travel [especially______]; surround them with your loving care; protect them from every danger; and bring them in safety to their journey’s end; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”

With prayer & blessings!

Rev. John