My wife and I will be traveling today, flying from our home in St. Paul Minnesota to Hawaii’s big island of Kona. Jill and I both will be attending important meetings there, so there is real business involved. But the fact that there’s still a heavy snowpack on the ground here and in Kona it’s in the low 80’s doesn’t hurt! We’ll have plenty of time to enjoy our visit.

Still, travel – and getting ready to travel – has its own stresses. We both had to work very hard – for much of last week in fact – to get things in order in our areas of responsibility here. And we’re leaving behind four disappointed and somewhat frustrated kids. That beyond doubt is our greatest regret and fear. How will they all do? Our two college-age daughters will do fine caring for their younger brothers. We’re confident in them. But still, it’s a long way to be away from home…

So we are praying, and we will pray. There are dangers of course in travel itself. But even more, there are unknown threats in leaving home and in leaving those who are not coming along. We are so “out of control.” It’s time to give this time to God.

Here’s a prayer for anyone traveling.

“God, you have given us feet to move, and a mind to imagine new things and places and people. You have made us to travel and explore your wonderful world. Thank you for this gift. Still, this world over which we move is wrought with dangers and threats. When we travel, we are vulnerable. Please protect our steps. Protect us on the road, and in the air. Send an angel of protection to accompany us. Shield us from evil and the Evil One who would use this opportunity to bring destruction. Bring us safely there and back home again. And while we’re gone, protect those we leave behind. Keep the peace and secure the boundaries of our home. Assign an angel of protection to stand guard over our property and our loved ones, our children, and our friends and family. Keep us healthy and guard us from sickness, injury, accident and violence. Give wisdom to those flying the airplane and driving the vehicles, and keep the machinery working properly. Moderate the weather on our travels. And even now, begin to prepare us and the places we will visit, so that we can meet you there. In fact, Lord, come with us. Join us on this journey and be our companion and guide and protector and provider. In Jesus we pray…”