I drove to the airport a little too close to departure and rushed to my flight. The next 2.5 days consisted of wall to wall meetings and tons of activity in-between. It felt like a fire drill. I squeezed too much into a short timeslot to minimize time away. Upon returning it occurred to me how intently I had focused on my work, and not so much on God. He felt distant.
Solo travel presents unique challenges. What awaits Road Warriors is a hectic pace and a void of the family and community that keep us grounded at home. Facing this without solid spiritual footing leaves travelers feeling isolated and vulnerable.
The Bible provides a solid roadmap to face these unique travel challenges and emerge victorious. The first stop on that map is the powerful discipline of purposeful prayer that sets our hearts and minds on Christ. Purposeful prayer invites God along for the journey, keeps us attuned to His presence, and reduces the likelihood of our veering off course.
Before you travel, pray. If you can, find a confidant you establish as your “go to” prayer partner and invite this person to read this plan as you do. If married, your spouse would be a great choice. If not, choose a close friend who demonstrates a good spiritual walk.
Pray for the challenges you anticipate, for spiritual discipline, for an awareness of God’s presence, for spiritual growth, for protection, and whatever God puts on your heart. Praying strengthens your spiritual footing, fosters closeness with God on your journey, raises awareness of His presence, and ultimately leads to victory.
Scriptures:
Matthew 18: 19-20
19 Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.
Ephesians 6:18-20
18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. 19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.