These morning prayers for those traveling are written for the hour before you leave, whether you are headed to the airport, onto the highway, or onto a train or ferry. Pray them over coffee, in the car before you pull out, or while you wait at the gate. You can read the prayer aloud exactly as written, or use it as a starting point and speak in your own words.
Morning Prayers for Those Traveling
Lord, you know the road ahead of me before I do. Today I am leaving home, and some part of me is already anxious about the timing, the traffic, the weather, the connection I might miss, and the people I will be with when I arrive. Keep my mind clear as I check my bags, my tickets, and my keys. Give me patience with the crowds and the delays, and a steady heart when plans change. Watch over the driver of every vehicle I share the road with, and the pilots, drivers, and crews who carry me today.
Father, I also ask for those I will be leaving behind and those I am going to see. Keep the people at home safe while I am gone, and let the people waiting for me feel your nearness too. Guard my body on the journey so that I arrive rested enough to do what I came to do. If I am tempted to rush, slow me down. If I am tempted to worry, remind me that you are already in the place I am going. Thank you for this day and for the ground you have given me to walk on. Amen.
A Shorter Version to Pray in a Moment
Lord, I am going out today and I want to go with you. Keep me safe on the road, in the air, or on the water. Steady my hands and my nerves, and give me patience when things run late. Watch over the people I love at home and the people I will meet on the way. Bring me where I need to be, and bring me back again. Amen.
Scriptures to Pray Alongside
Psalm 121:8
The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in, from this time forward, and forever more.
(WEB)
This verse covers the whole trip, from departure to arrival and everything between. Pray it when you lock the door, trusting that the Lord keeps watch over your comings and goings today and for as long as you need it.
Psalm 91:11
For he will put his angels in charge of you, to guard you in all your ways.
(WEB)
Read this slowly as you buckle in or find your seat. Ask God to send his angels to guard you on the way, and thank him for the assurance that you are never traveling alone.
Isaiah 41:10
Don’t you be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.
(WEB)
Use this verse when the unknowns of the day start to crowd in. Let each phrase be a reminder that God is with you, and pray for courage to face delays, strangers, and unfamiliar places with a steady heart.
Proverbs 3:5-6
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
(WEB)
Pray this as you consider the route, the schedule, and any decisions you need to make on the go. Ask God to direct your paths, especially where your own plans are uncertain or have shifted.
Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid or scared of them; for the LORD your God himself is who goes with you. He will not fail you nor forsake you.”
(WEB)
Speak this verse over yourself before you step out the door. Ask the Lord to remove fear from your steps and to remind you, when you feel small in a large crowd, that he goes before you.
How to Pray This Prayer
Try praying this in the few minutes before you leave, while your coat is still on and your bags are by the door. Stand near the entrance and hold your keys, boarding pass, or ticket in your hand. Let that small object be a reminder to bring the whole journey before God, from the first step to the last.
If you are traveling with others, invite someone in your household or a friend to pray it aloud with you, taking turns with the lines. Anyone who is staying behind can pray the blessing over the traveler. If you are the one driving or piloting, pray the first paragraph for everyone sharing the road or the sky with you.
A Blessing to Close
May the Lord go before you and beside you on every mile of this day. May he keep your going out and your coming in, and may you arrive where you are headed with peace in your heart and his nearness with you all the way.
