Our Pilgrimage Begins

Today our group of pilgrims leave their homes and begin their long journey to Israel.  We fly from Newark to Frankfurt - then on to Tel Aviv in Israel.  We will arrive in our hotel tomorrow afternoon (Israeli time), unpack, and get some rest to begin our journeys through the Holy Land.  Don't forget to check back often!

Feel free to join us in prayer as we pray for a safe journey and pilgrimage:

O God, Who didst lead the sons of Israel through the sea over a dry path, and didst reveal the way to the three Magi by the guidance of a star; vouchsafe to grant these pilgrims a happy journey and a peaceful time, that accompanied by thy angel they may safely reach their present destinations, and come finally to the haven of eternal security.

O God, Who didst lead thy servant, Abraham out of Ur of the Chaldeans, safeguarding him on all his wanderings - guide these they servants, we implore thee.  Be thou unto them support in battle, refuge in journeying, shade in the heat, covering in the rain, a carriage in tiredness, protection in adversity, a staff in insecurity, a harbor in shipwreck; so that under thy leadership they may successfully reach their destinations, and finally return safe to their homes.

Give ear, we pray thee, Lord, to our entreaties!  And direct the steps of thy servants on the paths of righteousness, that in all the vicissitudes of the journey and of life, they may have thee as their constant protector.

Grant, O almighty God that thy pilgrims march forth on the way of security; and heeding the exhortations of Blessed John, the Precursor, let them come safely to Him Whom John foretold, Jesus Christ, thy Son, our Lord.

Hear, O Lord, our prayers, and graciously accompany thy servants on the journey.  And since thou art everywhere present, dispense thy mercy to them in all places; so that protected by thy help from all dangers, they will be able to offer thanksgiving to thee.  Through Christ our Lord.  Amen.