God who travels with us:
In the twists and turns of our journeys,
you are always present --
loving, calling, guiding,
and cheering us on.
We give thanks for your faithful
companionship.
When we come to unexpected detours or
rugged ascents,
your Spirit comes near to strengthen and refresh us.
When you call us to leave a familiar, well-worn path,
your Spirit opens our eyes to fresh vistas.
When we stumble and fall or lose our way,
your Spirit renews our courage and inspires our hope.
Hold us in the warmth of your care,
guard us from worry and needless fear,
and grant us traveling mercies for every journey.
We pray in the name of Jesus,
in whose footsteps we follow through all the changes ahead.
AMEN.
Marlene Kropf is a spiritual director, retreat leader, ordained minister in Mennonite Church USA, and leader of Celtic pilgrimages. She recently retired from teaching at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary (Elkhart, Indiana) and as Minister of Worship and Spirituality with Mennonite Church USA. She is the author of the 2016 Mennonite Women's Bible Study Guide,
Faith Travels: Trusting God in Life's Transitions
. With her husband Stanley, she enjoys retirement in Port Townsend, WA, where she continues to write, garden, sail, host guests, and make new friends.
