A Prayer While Traveling With Other People

Because sometimes other people are the biggest challenge while we’re traveling.

Jul 08, 2025

For use during a family vacation, mission trip, or work trip, as well as while standing in line at the airport, sitting in stand-still traffic, and waiting for rides at an amusement park.

This prayer is flexible!

If time is tight and a moment is all you have, pray once through each of the prayer’s three lines.
If you have 5-10 minutes, pray each line 5-7 times before moving to the next.
If you have extended time for silence and solitude, pray each line 5-7 minutes before moving to the next.

The Beloved Breath Prayer

Wherever you find yourself, with whomever you are around, and in whatever position, take a deep breath. Maybe your once-beloved beach suddenly feels too full of strangers, maybe you’re waiting in line at the car rental desk, or maybe you’re cramped in an overloaded van. Unless you’re surrounded by smelly teenagers, take a deep breath.

Close your eyes, if that is safe and accessible to you.

As time and situation allow, settle into your breath, your body, your spirit.

Take another deep breath. Remember God the Father blessing Jesus upon his baptism in Matthew 3:16-17 (NRSV)…

And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.”

Inhale: Jesus, you are…
Exhale: the beloved.

Now remember Paul’s encouragement that we are also God’s beloved from Roman 9:25-26. The Message puts it this way…

I’ll call nobodies and make them somebodies;
I’ll call the unloved and make them beloved.
In the place where they yelled out, “You’re nobody!”
They’re calling you “God’s living children.”

Inhale: Jesus, I am…
Exhale: the beloved.

Allow God’s love for you to envelop you like a warm beach towel.

Finally allow Paul’s encouragement to translate to the people around you. Yes, even those who are annoying you the most. Insert their name into your prayer.

Inhale: Jesus, _____ is…
Exhale: the beloved.

No need to rush. Let one name rise to the surface. As time allows, repeat the final line of the prayer and swap out a different name or people group each time.

Close with one more minute to rest in your own belovedness.

Pray…

Lord, I find my belovedness as your child in Christ’s belovedness as your Son. Give me eyes to see the belovedness of my travel companions today. Fill my heart with love for these siblings of mine. Soften my spirit toward them in every interaction.

Go in peace, friend.