Wayfarer's Prayers

Take a blessing and a prayer to sustain you on your journey.

You are a traveller. The Lord Jesus
Christ be near to defend you, before
you to guide you, behind you to justify
you, above you to bless you: who liveth
and reigneth with the Father and Holy
Spirit, God for evermore.

10th Century.

May the right hand of the Lord keep
us ever in old age, the grace of Christ
continually defend us from the enemy.
O Lord, direct our hearts in the way of
peace: through Jesus Christ our Lord.

From the prayer book
of Bishop Aedelwald, 8th Century.

May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face
May the rains fall softly upon your
fields. Until we meet again, may God
hold you in the hollow of His hand.

Old Gaelic blessing.

May Our Lady and all the Saints pray
for you as you go and may the Holy
Guardian Angels watch over you and
keep you in their safe protection, and
the blessing of God Almighty, the
Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit
descend upon you and remain with you
always.

Fr Anthony De Vere.

Dear Jesus, as a hen covers her chicks
with her wings to keep them safe, do
thou this dark night protect us under
your golden wings.

Prayer from India.

May the cross of the Son of God, who is
mightier and more glorious than all the
angels of heaven, abide with you in your
going forth and coming back. By day and
night, at morning and at evening, at all
times and in all places, may it protect and
defend you. May it guard you as you
journey to your destination.

The Christ Arakana, Church of India.

From the road’s twists and turns,
From the blinding of dazzling lights.
From fog, mist, cloud and driving rain.
From careless drivers, speeding lorries
and salesmen behind their schedules.
O Lord, defend and protect us.

John Gilman

Unto God’s gracious mercy and
protection we commit you. The Lord
bless you and keep you. The Lord
make his face to shine upon you, and be
gracious to you. The Lord lift his
countenance upon you and give you
peace.

Number 6: 24-26.

I am travelling today Lord. So far I
have forgotten to ask for your blessing.
Bless me now O Lord as I drive across
the country, through dangers imagined
and dangers never thought of that I
might arrive safely at my journey’s end.

John Gilman

Be my unseen companion as I travel
Lord ad my your care overrule my
carelessness, your vision correct my
errors and your hand be ever on the
wheel. Amen.

John Gilman