7 Scriptures to Pray Before You Travel Anywhere

Whether you are going or coming, consciously choose to include the Lord in it all. Psalm 121:8 seeks to speak a blessing on the traveler by offering: "The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore."

This Psalm was often sung by those making a pilgrimage to Jerusalem to worship and celebrate holy festivals honoring the Lord. It is known as "Song of Ascents," but the core of the verse is applicable to anyone today who is venturing out into the world. We often think the only holy trips are ones to Church events, missions trips, or the Holy Lands, but do not underestimate God's creativity. Any trip can hold a divinely ordained and led purpose.

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Trips hold the potential for innumerable possibilities, including Holy encounters. Hebrews 13:2 reminds us that everything is not always as it seems: "Don't forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!"

Pray and ask the Lord to enable you to be keenly aware of places where He is authoring interaction, connection, encounter, or a testimony to bring back. You may or may not show kindness to angels, but what matters most is that you are serving the Kingdom of God well in representing Him as an ambassador anywhere and everywhere you go.

Scripture implores us to do all things unto the Lord, and we would do well to pray for His help to this well. 1 Corinthians 10:31 phrases it: "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." 

We can easily forget that when we accept Jesus as Savior, He is to be Lord of all our lives, not just pieces. Ask Him for help so that you may be empowered to do this in all areas of your life. Practically speaking this may look like forgoing how you thought a trip would go to serve a God Authored purpose, or it may look like offering a word of encouragement to a complete stranger in an airport, but in all things seek to do it unto the Lord.

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Angels serve many purposes in Heaven, more than likely ones we are not even aware of, but one of the chief roles can be that of protection. Through Psalm 91:11, we can pray, "For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways." Ask the Lord to send these guardian angels before you and with you; you never know just what they may protect you from. This prayer is not only for trips, but everyday life circumstances as well.

Especially when it comes to vacations, we can spend exceedingly large amounts of time planning every detail down to the minute, but in the grand scheme of things, God has a bigger plan at hand. Surrender the need to control the entire trip over to Him and allow Him to be your greatest trip advisor. Proverbs 16:9 boldly affirms, "The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps." Let Him establish the days and ways; you may be in for a grand adventure.

God holds all of time. Perhaps your destination is one that you are apprehensive about because of what awaits you there, or perhaps you have stirring anxiety of the unknown, but whatever awaits you, know that when your faith is in Christ, you are in Him. Psalm 31:15 shares, "My times are in your hands."

In context, this verse is an offering unto the Lord during a time of anguish and fear, but we can take hold of the hope in God that all of our time, from our heart's first beat to its last, is in His hands. Give this vacation, trip, or journey to Him and allow Him to get you there on His timetable.

As you navigate onward, remember to ask the Lord for His divine protection in every step. Psalm 91:4 is a great Psalm to pray: "He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart."

Know that He is a Good Father who has good things for you. In and through Him, you can find refuge, protection, and covering. Whatever your journey is, rest under His Wings as you travel forward with confidence that His presence will never leave or forsake you, and you belong to Him.

Praying Scripture before a journey or trip can provide not only an armor of protection but also prepare your heart for what you may find along the way. What can often appear as a simple vacation may hold open doors for ministry, fellowship, or divine appointments throughout. Allow God to author your journey and find that He is the best travel agent you could ever desire.