"The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore" (Psalm 121:8). "For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways" (Psalm 91:11). God told Jacob, "I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest" (Genesis 28:15).
Whether it is a holiday road trip, a flight across the country, a military move, or a child heading back to college, travel has a way of making us pray. Scripture is full of journeys, from Abraham to Paul, and God's promises go with travelers every mile. These twelve King James verses cover prayers for a safe journey, God's presence wherever you go, and wisdom for travel plans and the trip home. They are good to pray in the driveway, read at the gate, or text to someone on the road. For protection in general, see Bible verses about protection.
Prayers for a safe journey
1. Psalms 121:7-8
"The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore."
Psalm 121 is a song of ascents, sung by pilgrims traveling up to Jerusalem. The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in. It has been the traveler's psalm for millennia.
2. Psalms 91:11
"For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways."
He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. A favorite to pray over a car, a plane, or a long drive.
3. Exodus 23:20
"Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared."
I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared. God promised guidance all the way to the destination.
4. Ezra 8:21
"Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance."
Before a dangerous four-month journey with families and treasure, Ezra proclaimed a fast to seek of God a right way for us, and for our little ones. Praying before you leave is an old and wise habit.
God goes with you
5. Genesis 28:15
"And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of."
Jacob was alone, sleeping on a stone, running from home, when God promised, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again. God keeps travelers and brings them home.
6. Joshua 1:9
"Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest."
The LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. God's presence travels with you.
7. Psalms 139:9-10
"If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me."
If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there shall thy hand lead me. A perfect verse for a flight or an overseas trip: no distance takes you beyond God's hand.
8. Isaiah 43:2
"When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee."
When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee. Bad weather, rough water, and hard roads do not cancel God's presence. He goes through them with you.
Travel plans and the road home
9. Proverbs 3:23
"Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble."
Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble. The promise follows a call to keep wisdom; drive alert, rest when tired, and trust God with what you cannot control.
10. Psalms 107:29-30
"He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven."
He maketh the storm a calm, and bringeth them unto their desired haven. Written about sailors, this verse fits every traveler longing to arrive safely, and every family waiting for them.
11. Proverbs 16:9
"A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps."
A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps. Plan your route, then hold it loosely. Delays and detours are still under God's direction.
12. James 4:13-15
"Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that."
James says to plan with the words, If the Lord will. It is not a warning against travel plans but an invitation to make them humbly, trusting God with every leg of the trip.
A short prayer
Lord, go before us on this journey. Preserve our going out and our coming in. Give alert minds, safe roads and skies, and peace in every delay. Watch over those we love who are traveling, and bring us all safely home. In Jesus' name, amen.
Go deeper: a SOAP study prompt
Pick one verse above and write: - Scripture: copy the verse by hand. - Observation: what does it say? Who is speaking, to whom? - Application: what does it mean for you today? - Prayer: turn it into a two-line prayer.
New to this method? See our Bible study guide or pick a Bible reading plan.
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Frequently asked questions
What is a good Bible verse for safe travel?
Psalm 121:8 is the classic: "The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in." Psalm 91:11 and Genesis 28:15 are also favorites to pray before a trip.
What does the Bible say about traveling?
Scripture is full of journeys. God promises His presence (Genesis 28:15; Joshua 1:9), guidance (Exodus 23:20) and protection (Psalm 91:11), and James reminds us to plan humbly, saying "If the Lord will" (James 4:15). Paul prayed for "a prosperous journey by the will of God" (Romans 1:10).
Is there a prayer for safe travel in the Bible?
Ezra fasted and prayed "to seek of him a right way for us" before a dangerous trip (Ezra 8:21), and Psalm 121 was sung by pilgrims on the road. The prayer above is based on Psalm 121:8.
Sources: All Scripture quotations are from the King James Version (KJV), public domain in the United States. References were checked against the KJV text from bible-api.com.
Related: Bible verses about protection · Bible verses about God always being with us · Bible verses about fear · Bible verses about peace · Bible verses about the military · Bible verses about praying for others
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