Orthodox Prayer before a Journey

O Lord Jesus Christ our God, the true and living way, be Thou, O Master, my companion, guide, and guardian during my journey; deliver and protect me from all danger, misfortune, and temptation, that being so defended by Thy divine power I may have a peaceful and successful journey and arrive safely at my destination. For in Thee I put my trust and hope, and to Thee, together with Thine Eternal Father and the All-Holy Spirit, I ascribe all praise, honor, and glory, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

A brief story – hope it encourages …

Back in 1997, I read a small book,
“When God Speaks: How to Recognize God’s Voice and Respond in Obedience,” by Henry Blackaby.
At the time, I desperately wanted to hear God speak to me (and still do).

Mr. Blackaby’s insight helped me so much.
Just a few days after finishing the little book, an amazing thing happened, causing me to hear God speak – clear as a bell. 
It changed my life, bigly!

Each chapter focuses on a certain way the Lord speaks to us: 
The Holy Spirit, prayer, the Bible (God’s Word), the church (other people), and circumstances.
I’ve added another powerful way (for me personally): through His creation.

Several months ago, I posted here about how I like to keep visual reminders of the Lord.
So, I’m sharing this experience:

We’ve returned from a beach trip, and thanks be to God, it helped clear my chronic sinusitis. 
(Only it returned immediately after arriving home to thick pollen everywhere.)

I love to walk on the beach, and talk with God along the way.
One morning while walking, I noticed three lovely seashells, lying side-by-side.
They had just washed onto the shore, and there were NO other shells anywhere in sight that morning. 
Only these three … not lying in different places, but all together.

After spotting and picking up these shells, I noticed they had NO flaws or broken edges. 
Each one was perfect and beautifully unique.

Seeing these shells had interrupted my deep thought and prayer walk.
I can’t remember “exactly” what or who I was praying for;
But, I do know it was for one of my family members. 
You know those kinds of prayers – the ones we pray for a LONG time, and the same ole issues?

I felt like God was whispering to me in this moment by the seashore.
The shells “seemed” to have an unspoken message – 
Sort of like a visible sign to strengthen me that morning.
Yes, God can speak anyway He chooses – we cannot put Him in a box!

I had been praying to God the Father – through God the Son – in God the Holy Spirit.
To the Triune God – Who hears us, loves us, communicates with us.
And, that day I really needed to sense He was near.

Yes, I know –
We are to live by FAITH, in His Word – because He says so.
And, I do! 
We aren’t to live by “sight” or “signs.” 
I know that.

But, this particular morning, the Lord saw fit to comfort me in this simple way – thru His seashells.
My daughter calls these incidents God’s “holy hugs.”
A small gesture the Lord extends to let us know He is there.

I’ll leave my shells on the kitchen counter or in my bedroom closet … and they won’t mean anything to anyone else, but me.
I’ll remember the sweet time of communion with my Heavenly Father, Who bends down to hear our deepest cry.
The God of the Universe, Who created all the stars and calls them each by name – cares about us.

And, the issue I was praying about? The one I can’t even remember specifically?
God knows … He will not forget it.
Yet He will answer in the proper time and way.

I’m smiling right now, as I think about how the Lord God wants us to “know” Him.
To understand without a doubt that He is with us – Immanuel is His Name. (Matthew 1:23)
God delights to show us His goodness, His beauty, His Lovingkindness.
The Lord can and will use anything to assure us He is near – even seashells.

Has the Lord been sweet to you lately?
I’m sure He has, friends!

Thank You, dear Lord,
For giving us Your gentle nudges from heaven,
Real-life experiences with You, God,
With eyes to see, ears to hear, minds to believe, and hearts to trust You.

Then, make us like Mary Magdalene …
After she encountered Your Resurrected Presence from the dead, she went as You commanded and told the disciples,
“I have seen the Lord!”

For Christ’s sake. Amen.

For JWOO:

Hello Woo, This is reply to your comment to me up above.

Thanks for the tech info – I’m a doofus in such things, and know enough to be dangerous, haha.

Thanks for the kind words, and I love you, too.
I know your name is Joan, but, I’ve always known you as “Woo.”

I know you’re in a dark season now, and will continue praying for you.
Yes, we need to encourage one another as long as we have breath!

Dear Lord, for those in need, please bestow upon them all, your loving embrace.Amen.

Thank you Jesus and the Prayer Warriors for helping me today. I still need help, not to be greedy.

Dear Jesus,

Recently, There have been so many senseless murders…especially in family units and there was another one in Alabama, just recently, along with the family of 8 and where a young women (child) who’s remains were found in a tesla.

Please guide the hearts of all your children, provide safety and love….in very special manner, we pray for the salvation of souls while asking for Divine Intervention to cure what ails the people who resort to senseless violence. Bring comfort to the grieving families, strengthen them during these dark hours. Strengthen those who investigate these horrific events.

Many recognize the attacks on the family…for what they are, where they come from and that the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary will prevail.

Dear Lord, in a special way, give our leaders the deep wisdom towards addressing these crimes. Guide them, divinely.

Mary, Mother of Sorrows, take our prayers to your Son.

Amen.

This message is for Leave, Woo and other Treepers having difficult trials, tribulations and fires to maneuver through and conquer.

Years ago I was going through a really rough time and wondered where God was, so I began to write letters to God every day voicing my every emotion, even my anger. It was the best therapy and reaffirmation of my faith when the trial was finally over. There is a freedom to speak freely to a very loving God with words on paper, and of course daily bible reading, especially the Psalms and Jesus’s words in the New Testament.

I will continue to pray for you all and I pray this helps you as it has helped me.

Heavenly Father hear our prayers for all those in need of your touch, your love, affirmation of your promises and the strength to “pass through the trial of fire” they are currently in, in Jesus, holy, precious name Amen.

Here is the first verse and chorus of a Jason Crabb song:

So many times I question certain circumstances
Or things I could not understand
And many times in trials, weakness blurs my vision
And my frustration gets so out of hand
But it’s then I am reminded I’ve never been forsaken
I’ve never had to stand one test alone
That’s when I look at all the victories, and the spirit rises up in me
And it’s through the fire my weakness is made strong

He never promised that the cross would not get heavy
Or the hill would not be hard to climb
He never offered a victory without fighting
But He said help would always come in time
Just remember when you’re standing in the valley of decision
And the adversary says give in, just hold on
Our Lord will show up
And He will take you through the fire again

My Prayers continue for all of you daily. Much love to you all is sent with this comment.
Shalom