Introduction:
In the nine days leading up to Thanksgiving I will share a novena of prayers, reflections, and music selections that may enhance the celebration of this special day with your family and friends.
Day 7: Today I will share some prayers for the many people who are traveling this week to get to their holiday destinations.
Thanksgiving is often the most heavily-traveled time of the year. Severe weather across our nation is already impacting traveling plans for many families. CNN reports that well over 3 million people have airline reservations this week for holiday travel. Storms from California across through Texas caused the cancellation of many of these flights.
Strong winds, heavy rain, snow, and frozen precipitation is supposed to impact the eastern seaboard and New England. I heard that the officials for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade in New York City are prepared to cut the giant balloons from their line-up if strong winds prevent the handlers from keeping them under control.
Reports from AAA offer projections of almost 39 million Americans traveling 50 or more miles for this holiday. Seems like a holiday prayer for travelers is in order!!
Thanksgiving Prayers for Travelers
Lord Jesus Christ my God, be my Companion, guide and protector during my journey. Keep me from all danger, misfortune and temptation. By Your divine power grant me a peaceful and successful journey and safe arrival. In You I place my hope and trust and You I praise, honor and glorify, together with Your Father and Holy Spirit now and forever and ever.
Amen.
Lord Jesus, You traveled with the two disciples after the resurrection and set their hearts on fire with Your grace. Travel also with me and gladden my heart with Your presence. I know, Lord, that I am a pilgrim on this earth, seeking the citizenship which is in heaven. During my journey surround me with Your holy angels and keep me safe from seen and unseen dangers. Grant that I may carry out my plans and fulfill my expectations according to Your will. Help me to see the beauty of creation and to comprehend the wonder of Your truth in all things. For You are the way, the truth and the life, and to You I give thanks, praise and glory forever.
Amen.
O God, Who did cause the children of Israel to traverse the Red Sea dryshod; Thou Who did point out by a star to the Magi the road that led them to Thee; grant us we beseech Thee, a prosperous journey and propitious weather; so that, under the guidance of Thy holy angels we may safely reach that journey’s end, and later the haven of eternal salvation.
Hear, O Lord, the prayers of Thy servants. Bless their journeyings. Thou Who art everywhere present, shower everywhere upon them the effects of Thy mercy; so that, insured by Thy protection against all dangers, they may return to offer Thee their thanksgiving. Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
O God, our heavenly Father, whose glory fills the whole
creation, and whose presence we find wherever we go: Preserve
those who travel; 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.
O Almighty and merciful God, who hast commissioned Thy angels to guide and protect us, command them to be our assiduous companions from our setting out until our return; to clothe us with their invisible protection; to keep from us all danger of collision, of fire, of explosion, of fall and bruises, and finally, having preserved us from all evil, and especially from sin, to guide us to our heavenly home. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Amen.
Credit: Radio Free Babylon
Music for a Thankful Heart: Day 7:
Today I am sharing two selections:
“Over the River and Through the Woods”
This sweet song of childhood has been sung by generations of families as they travel for the holidays to visit with loved ones near and far.
“Blessed” (2001): Country singer Martina McBride sings about the many blessings in her life.