Our practice as Christians has always been to pray to God whenever we travel. Whether short or long-distance travel, like going to work or riding a plane abroad, we always seek God in prayer. We do so because we know that He alone can keep us safe from any harm and danger in the end. Hence, we also pray a prayer as we go on a road trip with family, friends, or whoever it is we are traveling with.
Heavenly Father, as we go on a long road trip today, keep us safe from harm and accidents. May we be able to arrive at our destination safely. Thank You. As we drive, we know You are always with us. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Why Pray as You Go On a Road Trip?
We pray as we go on a road trip because, as mentioned above, we ultimately depend on God for our safety. As we travel, many factors are not within our control. For example, we can’t control the weather. Will we encounter a storm or a nice sunny day as we travel? We don’t know the behaviors of the drivers we will encounter. Will they be reckless or safe? Experiencing a flat tire, a broken engine, and many other scenarios beyond our control is also within the realm of possibility. However, we may lie down in peace, as the LORD alone will protect us (Psalm 4:8 I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.).
A Good Prayer for a Road Trip
Our God is sovereign and holds all things together (Colossians 1:17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.). Hence, He is the only One we can depend on for our safety and well-being as we travel. In 1 Peter 5:6-7, it is written that we are to humble ourselves before the mighty hand of God. Humbling ourselves means acknowledging that it is God whom we can ultimately run to for safety and protection as we travel, given that He is our sovereign God. Our follow-up response to knowing that is found in verse 7, which says that we are to cast our anxieties or cares to God because He cares for us.
A Good Prayer for a Road Trip
The same kind of dependence upon God for one’s well-being and safety can be found in Psalm. In Psalm 4:8, we see David acknowledging that God makes him dwell in safety and is the One who watches over him. (Psalm 121:5 The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand.) also tells us that the LORD is our keeper. Another well-known Psalm that is always referred to regarding safety and well-being is Psalm 91. It teaches us that God is our refuge and fortress (Psalm 91:2 I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.).
A Good Prayer for a Road Trip
A Good Prayer for a Road Trip
How Can You Pray a Good Prayer for a Road Trip?
You pray for your road trip by presenting to God your concerns as you travel. Philippians 4:6-7 states that we are to present our prayer requests to God, and His peace, which transcends all understanding, shall guard our hearts and minds. What are your concerns as you travel? Is it the weather? The durability of the car? The drivers you will encounter? The overall travel experience? Whatever those concerns may be, present them to God in prayers. Remember that God wants us to humble ourselves and cast to Him whatever cares we may have, as written in 1 Peter 5:6-7.
Heavenly Father, I pray that You will keep us safe from all danger as we travel to our destination. Protect us from any accidents, especially those on the high-speed highway. We pray that no trouble shall happen when it comes to our car and that we shall encounter no mechanical problems along the way. We pray for smooth travels; if we encounter problems, give us the wisdom to work through them. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Whenever we pray for God to protect us and watch over us as we do on our road trip, we are essentially praying for God’s mercies upon us. Mercy in other translations is also called lovingkindness. In other words, when we pray and ask God for travelling mercies, it is His lovingkindness that keeps us safe, watches over us, and assists us whenever we are in need of help.