Are you on the road or traveling soon? Reciting a powerful prayer or verse can bring peace during your journey, no matter how long or arduous.

Prayer before travel can serve as an inner compass when the way forward is uncertain. It’s a practice that Christians have relied on for millennia – and that you can incorporate into your travel routine too. Travel insurance might bring some peace of mind – but only prayer can provide comfort, guidance, and God’s protection.

Whether you’re a frequent flyer on a humanitarian mission or a young family on a first holiday, these three travel prayers can be your new travel companion. They’ve stood the test of time and reminded generations of travelers they were not alone on their path.

1. The Lord’s Prayer: A universal travel companion

It was Jesus himself who taught us The Lord’s Prayer. When it comes to prayers, none is more powerful or universally applicable. Also known as Our Father, its deeply familiar words bring comfort and give strength in any situation or unfamiliar surroundings.

The Lord’s Prayer covers everything a traveler might ask for, from daily sustenance and protection to guidance through challenging situations. Just reflecting on the words “Our Father, who art in heaven…” can already ground you wherever you are. They remind Christians that God, who transcends earthly time and space, is with them.

The Our Father prayer is a universal prayer that travelers can rely on because of its simplicity and memorability. No prayer book or rosary is needed – all it takes is a silent prayer of those deeply ingrained words.

2. The Traveler’s Psalm: Balming words for the journeyer

Psalm 121 is a source of solace for travelers far from home. “I lift up my eyes to the mountains – where does my help come from?” Known as the Traveler’s Psalm, these eight verses speak to the hearts of wanderers seeking God’s protection.

The centuries-old Traveler’s Psalm is relevant for today’s travelers because its verses are a timeless reminder that God is with you on the journey. That traveler looking up to the mighty mountains and perhaps feeling small and afraid? “My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth,” the Psalm responds. Facing uncertainties and dangers, Psalm 121 promises that “The Lord watches over your coming and going, both now and forevermore.”

Do these verses speak to you? Consider memorizing a few from the psalm – they might become your go-to travel prayer and a way to get you through travails with a calm heart and faith.

3. St. Christopher’s Prayer: Words for the traveler’s saint

As a traveler, you might want to address your prayers to Saint Christopher. The patron saint of travelers has been the trusted companion on many Christian travelers’ journeys. Saint Christopher offered the infant Jesus safe passage by carrying him across a dangerous river. A prayer in his name could help you through uncertain waters too.

The prayer to St. Christopher is practical and beautifully simple, and goes like this: “Dear Saint Christopher, protect me today in all my travels along the road’s way. Give your warning sign if danger is near so that I may stop while the path is clear. Be at my window and direct me through when the vision blurs from out of the blue. Carry me safely to my destined place, like you carried Christ in your close embrace.”

You might not be very familiar with Catholic saint traditions, but this simple prayer to a saint who helped the Christ child along his way is easy enough to get you started.

Inviting prayer into your travel routine

As you’re getting ready for your next journey, you might wonder where prayer fits into your traveling time. A quick prayer for safe travel during takeoff, a quiet moment after arriving safely, or reflecting before sleeping – small moments and simple prayer routines can transform your travel experience, inviting faith into your daily life on the road.

Remember, too, that a travel prayer isn’t just for safety or challenging times. They express gratitude for what we see and learn on the journey. New experiences, friendships, and safe arrivals – all these things gain meaning if you’re spiritually connected while traveling.

For spiritual guidance and protection on your journey, start your days with the Lord’s Prayer, recite Psalm 121-129, and learn St. Christopher’s Prayer. For practical tips on travel safety and living abroad, head to Expatden.