by Veronica Szczygiel
Ah, sweet summer. Time for rest and relaxation. For many, it’s also the season for travel. Whether a faraway adventure or closer-to-home road trip, let us pray for traveling mercies.
For the prudence to pack light, we pray to the Lord. Preparing for a trip can be overwhelming. Jesus tells us the simpler, the better: “He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts” (Mark 6:8). While we do need money and other items to travel well, who wants to drag around a heavy suitcase? For wisdom in getting ready, Lord, hear our prayer.
For safe travels to our destinations, we pray to the Lord. Traveling can be a little nerve-wracking. We must be alert to our surroundings. When my husband and I were in Scotland, we had to be extra careful to drive on the correct side of the road! We took comfort that “the Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time on and forevermore” (Psalm 21:7). For protection on our journeys, Lord, hear our prayer.
For the patience to endure inconvenience, we pray to the Lord. Vacation should be restful, but there are always some frustrating moments, especially in places like airports. Long lines, tight security, and crowded areas can test our patience. We may be tempted to snap at fellow anxious passengers, overworked employees, or even our loved ones. However, God tells us that it’s wiser to keep our mouths shut: “To watch over mouth and tongue is to keep out of trouble” (Proverbs 21:23). For the strength to stay quiet when we’re irritated, Lord, hear our prayer.
For the energy, openness to truly enjoy a new place, we pray to the Lord. God created us to find happiness in his creation and each other: “So I commend enjoyment, for there is nothing better for people under the sun than to eat and drink and enjoy themselves, for this will go with them in their toil through the days of life” (Ecclesiastes 8:15). Vacation should restore us and keep our spirits light to help us weather the dark storms that can enter our lives. For the fortitude to find joy in our adventures, Lord, hear our prayer.
For the grace to return rejuvenated and grateful, we pray to the Lord. All good things come to a close. We should return to our homes full of wonderful memories, remembering that all blessings come from God: “Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you” (Luke 8:39). For the desire to declare the glory of God, Lord, hear our prayer.
May God be with you during the rest of the summer, and may you pray for his traveling mercies every step of the way.
Veronica Szczygiel, PhD., is the Director of Online Learning at the Graduate School of Education at Fordham University.