Sunday in Murphy, NC
But, the more unusual, and I thought special, aspect of their greeting of the stranger among us is the little gift they pass to everyone whom they just welcomed. It’s a prayer card. One side says Welcome and depicts the Risen Christ, saying, “I have risen; joyfully I go with you.” The other side has this:
Prayer for Travelers
O God, our heavenly Father,
Whose glory fills all of creation,
And whose presence we find
Wherever we go,
Preserve us as we travel.
Surround us with you loving care;
Protect us from every danger;
And lead us in safety
To our journey’s end. AMEN
The priest then blessed the travelers. Perhaps some churches don’t have many visitors and this would seem contrived, but many churches of all sizes receive travelers every week. Isn’t this a lovely tradition? I’m keeping my prayer card and I’ll use it to pray for others on the road. This morning I offer it for those who are refugees traveling away from Hurricane Michael. We are all pilgrims, regardless of our circumstance.