As my wife and myself make our way to Santiago de Compostela, we pray this prayer for the group we’re leading, and for fellow pilgrims we will soon meet for the first time along the way. This old, old invocation was written especially for pilgrims:

God, you called your servant Abraham from Ur in Chaldea, watching over him in all his wanderings, and guided the Hebrew people as they crossed the desert. Guard these your children who, for the love of your Name, make a pilgrimage to Compostela.

Be their companion on the way, their guide at the crossroads, their strength in weariness, their defense in dangers, their shelter on the path, their shade in the heat, their light in darkness, their comfort in discouragement, and the firmness of their intentions, that through your guidance they may arrive safely at the end of their journey and, enriched with grace and virtue, may return to their homes filled with salutary and lasting joy.

We all walk a challenging journey through life. These humble thoughts are too good to keep only for a specific pilgrimage, but make for good praying for all who follow the way of Jesus.

Many blessings as you walk your path today.

Camino de Santiago 2023