The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. (Psalm 121:8)
Summer is the season for travel. Vacations, weddings, family reunions, and adventures call us from shore to shore to enjoy and explore the world in all its beauty. Days are filled with planning and packing in preparation for the events. Expectations are high, and kids squeal with delightful anticipation.
There’s much to do to prepare, but there might be one important thing you’re forgetting: don’t neglect to include prayer in your trip planning.
Prayer is inviting God into the process. God gave the earth to mankind and put us in charge. He doesn’t take back by force what He has delegated to us. He’s not a micromanager, yet He is keenly interested in the details of our lives. He responds to our requests for His wisdom and His help.
“How, and when?” you might ask. When we ask! The Bible is clear: “You have not, because you ask not (James 4:2).” God’s help is not to be presumed upon unless we go to the trouble of asking Him. He seeks relationship with us, and the doorway to relationship is communication. We communicate our needs, and He responds.
One doesn’t have to look hard to find ways to need Him every day! If travel is around the bend for you, you’ll certainly need Him. So many things can go awry on trips. Accidents arise, relationships get strained, challenges materialize, junk just happens. Pray! Pray in advance of your travel, asking God to join you in your journey. He’s all about relationship. This is real life with God: He’s the driver; you’re the passenger. He’s the pilot; you’re the co-pilot.
So before you venture on your trip, whether a simple hike, a “three hour tour,” or an exotic vacation, prepare in advance – Pre-Prayer!
