According to the religious traditions of Orthodoxy, every business is supposed to begin with a prayer. Travel is no exception, and therefore many prayers have been composed for this occasion. The prayer of a traveling person can be addressed both to God directly and to various saints. In this article, we will look at several typical examples of Orthodox prayers intended for those who have decided to go on a journey. We will focus on prayers for air travel as one of the most popular modes of transport in demand today, but at the same time one of the most dangerous.
Airplane Traveler's Prayer
We will give the text of this prayer in Russian translation for a better understanding. The Church Slavonic version, if you want to get acquainted with it, you need to look for in the prayer books that are offered in church shops. The prayer of an airplane traveler is addressed to Christ and soundsit is as follows:
"The Lord Jesus Christ, our God! Commanding the elements and concentrating power over everything in his hand! The abysses honor you and the stars rejoice at you, and all creation serves you. All obey you and obey your will. You can do everything, and therefore you show mercy to everyone, good Lord! So now, Lord, accept me, your servant (name), and heed my prayers, blessing my path and air travel. Forbid storms and contrary winds and keep the plane safe and sound. Grant me an easy and not overshadowed by various troubles journey through the air, bless the intentions of the good deeds that I have planned for accomplishment, and make my return in peace. with the Father and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen!"
This air traveler's prayer can be read both before boarding the plane and directly in the cabin. It is also possible to adapt it in case you yourself are not flying anywhere, but want to pray for other people who are going to fly.
Prayer of the traveler behind the wheel
This prayer is for those who make their way behind the wheel of a car. It is recommended to read it immediately before leaving on the road.
"God is all-merciful and all-merciful! You protect everyone with your mercy because of your love for man. I humbly ask you through the intercessory prayers of the Virgin and allother saints, save me from accidental and unexpected death, and from all trouble for me, a sinner. Protect those who trust me and travel with me. Help me to deliver each of them unharmed to where he needs to go. God is merciful! Deliver me from the evil spirit of recklessness on the road, from the spirit of drunkenness that can cause a sudden death that has no repentance. Save me, Lord! Help me to live to old age with a clear conscience, without bearing the burden of responsibility for the dead and maimed by my negligence on the road. And may your holy name be glorified in this, now and forever and ever. Amen!"
Short prayers for travelers to the Lord and saints
The next prayer of the traveler is called a troparion, and in churches it is sung at prayers dedicated to those who are going on the road or are already on it.
Troparion:
"You are the way and the truth, Christ! In the companions of your angel to your servants now, as in their time Tobias, sent down for preservation. And unharmed to your glory from all evil in well-being observe, with the prayers of the Mother of God, a single philanthropist!"
The troparion is followed by a kontakion - also a small church hymn.
Kontakion:
"You accompanied Luke and Cleopas to Emmaus, Savior, and now accompany your servants, who want to travel, from any unpleasant circumstances. For everything is possible for you, if it is your will."
Prayer to Christ
Moreone prayer of a traveler addressed to Jesus Christ. This text is also considered the main one and is intended to be read before the road in general, without reference to the mode of transport.
"The Lord Jesus Christ, our God! You are the true path and life! You accompanied your imaginary father Joseph and your most pure virgin mother to Egypt, and also accompanied Luke and Cleopas to Emmaus! And now I pray you, most holy master Accompany your servants on your journey with your grace. And like Tobias, your servant, sent down a guardian angel and mentor, so that he would protect and deliver from various unpleasant circumstances and from all visible and invisible enemies. And instructed to fulfill your commandments, in the world of prosperity and He kept them in good he alth and returned them wholeheartedly and serenely on the way back. But give us all good intentions and thoughts to please you and the strength to fulfill them for your glory. For our mercy and salvation come from you, and to you we send glory with the Father and Son and Holy Spirit forever and ever! Amen."
Praying to God before traveling
This is another prayer option for those who are going on the road. Not as popular as the above, but no worse.
"God, who keeps me! Before the road I am about to take, I want to entrust my life and he alth to you! Under your protection, I give my house and other property and all my relatives who remain here without me. I I don’t know what awaits me ahead, but I calm down, believing in your care, mercy and love. Save my transport (car, plane,ship, etc.) from breakdowns and accidents. Keep me he althy, both physically and spiritually. In the most difficult moments of my journey, give me peace and inner strength so that I can cope with any situation. Bless me to return to my home and do not leave me at every moment of my life. Amen."
Prayer to the Mother of God
In conclusion, here is a prayer addressed to the Mother of God. "The Prayer of the Traveling Mother of God" is a very common text, as it is addressed almost more often than God himself.
"Blessed mistress, virgin Mother of God, who gave birth to God for the sake of our salvation and accepted his grace more than all other people, revealed a sea of divine gifts and a full-flowing river of miracles, shedding goodness on all who with faith resort to you! Standing before your In this way, we pray to you, the most generous mother of a philanthropic sovereign, that you surprise us with your rich graces, and you soon fulfilled our requests that we bring to you, the Quick Listener, giving everyone what is good for him, for consolation and salvation will be useful. Come, O good one, to your servants with your grace and give travelers a quick and safe journey, protection from enemies and a safe return! We thank you, glorifying the son you have born, our Lord Jesus Christ forever. Amen!"
