Prayers before a journey

These prayers, collectively referred to as the “Itinerary” (sound familiar?), may be offered privately or as a group when setting out on a journey.

V. X In the Name of God.

R. Amen.

Antiphon

May the Almighty and merciful Lord direct us into the way of peace and prosperity, and may the Angel Raphael go with us on the way, that we may return to our home in peace, joy, and safety.

The Song of Zechariah Benedictus Dominus Deus (Luke 1: 68 79)

X Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; *

   he has come to his people and set them free.

He has raised up for us a mighty savior, *

   born of the house of his servant David.

Through his holy prophets he promised of old,

that he would save us from our enemies, *

   from the hands of all who hate us.

He promised to show mercy to our fathers *

   and to remember his holy covenant.

This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham, *

   to set us free from the hands of our enemies,

Free to worship him without fear, *

   holy and righteous in his sight

   all the days of our life.

You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High, *

   for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,

To give people knowledge of salvation *

   by the forgiveness of their sins.

In the tender compassion of our God *

   the dawn from on high shall break upon us,

To shine on those who dwell in darkness and the

            shadow of death, *

   and to guide our feet into the way of peace.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *

   as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever.  Amen.

Antiphon

May the Almighty and merciful Lord direct us into the way of peace and prosperity, and may the Angel Raphael go with us on the way, that we may return to our home in peace, joy, and safety.

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

            Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Our Father, who art in heaven,

   hallowed be thy Name,

   thy kingdom come,

   thy will be done,

      on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses,

   as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

   but deliver us from evil.  Amen.

V. Send us help from your sanctuary.

R. And strengthen us out of Zion.

V. Be unto us, O Lord, a strong tower.

R. Let the enemy have no advantage over us.

V. Blessed be the Lord day by day.

R. May the God of our salvation make our journey safe.

V. Show us you ways, O Lord.

R. And teach us your paths.

V. O that my ways were made so direct.

R. That I might keep your statues.

V. The crooked shall be made straight.

R. And the rough places plain.

V. O Lord, hear my prayer.

R. And let my cry come to you.

V. The Lord be with you.

R. And also with you.

Let us pray.

(Any or all of these prayers may be offered)

O God, who made the children of Israel pass on dry ground through the midst of the sea, and who by the leading of a star opened to the Magi the way to yourself: grant us, we pray, a good journey and calm weather, that, attended by your holy Angel, we may safely reach the place we go, and happily attain the haven of eternal salvation.; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Assist us mercifully, O Lord, in all our supplications and prayers, and dispose the way of your servants towards the attainment of everlasting salvation: that, among all the changes and chances of this mortal life, they may ever be defended by your most gracious and ready help; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Almighty God, we pray you would grant your servants to walk in the way of salvation: that they may attain unto him whom blessed John the Forerunner foretold, your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

O God, our heavenly Father, whose glory fills the whole creation, and whose presence we find wherever we go: Preserve those who travel [in particular _____________]; surround them with your loving care; protect them from every danger; accompany them with an angel of peace and an angel of blessing; and bring them in safety to their journey’s end; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

V. Let us go forth in peace.

R. X In the Name of the Lord. Amen.