Angels are pure spirits and possess superior knowledge to ours. Our first prayer is attributed to Bishop Dupanloup of Orleans (1802-1878), a vigorous promoter of catholic education in France.
O almighty and merciful God, Who hast commissioned Thy angels to guide and protect us, command them to be our assiduous companions from our setting out until our return; to clothe us with their invisible protection; to keep us from all danger of collision, of fire, of explosion, of falls and bruises; and finally, having preserved us from all evil, and especially from sin, to guide us to our heavenly home. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
While there were many hazards involved in 19th century travel, some listed in this prayer, we have our own more contemporary risks from cars (as mentioned above), trains, and air travel as well.
This second prayer is addressed directly to our guardian angels.
My holy angel guardian, ask the Lord to bless the journey which I undertake, that it may profit the health of my soul and body; that I may reach its end; and that, returning safe and sound, I may find all at home in good health. Do thou guard, guide, and preserve us. Amen.
Each of us has a guardian angel to protect us and guide our thoughts and inclinations. There is even a Guardian Angel Prayer that is easy to memorize. The rosary is also good to pray while traveling. (Or even just the Hail Mary!)
For all our daily concerns and often hectic schedules, life is fleeting, after all. So it never hurts to call on our angels, our Blessed Mother, and our Lord Himself to help see us through whatever perils we may experience on our journey towards Eternal Life, be they physical or spiritual.
Along with these prayers for travelers we leave you with this inspiring quote from the Old Testament book of Tobit, in which Tobit sends his son off on an important errand, assisted by the Archangel Raphael: “May you have a good journey, and God be with you in your way, and his angel accompany you.” (Tobit 5:22)
