Wherever you are on this earth, we all have this in common: 2020 was a long and mostly tiresome journey for us all. We hope that 2021 is a better year for each of you, and that your journeys be prosperous in every way possible. We may now know each of you personally, but we certainly can- and do- wish each of you well in prayer.
Wherever you are journeying to, be it near or far from home; be it for a few hours or a few years- it is always a comfort to know someone is praying for you. And that leads me to a fond memory I would like to share…
From 2004-2006, we ran a small hostel. Wanting to make our guests feel safe and special, we left welcome letters in each room. The traditional Traveler’s Prayer (AKA The Wayfarer’s Prayer/ Tefilat Haderech) is perfect for all weary travelers coming and going.
I had seen this beautiful travel prayer “The Stranger Within Our Gates” in a hotel in Uruapan, and thought it would be perfect addition to greet our guests. The Traveler’s Prayer was already in Spanish; I just needed this one translated. To save time, I let Google Translate do the work… but forgot to check for accuracy.
Our first guests were a group of young men from Morelia. They were very impressed with the thoughtful prayers- but wanted to know who “Mayo” was. Confused, we took a look at the translated “The Stranger Within Our Gates”… and found that Google had mistakenly directly translated each English “May” for the month! We all had a good laugh! The best part of that experience was that the young group of men had been touched by simple prayers, even if one was poorly translated.
Greetings, Traveler !
In ancient times, there was a prayer for “The stranger within our gates”. Because this hostel is a human institution to serve people, we hope that God will grant you peace and rest while you are under our roof.
May this room and hostel be your “second” home, may those you love be near you in thoughts and dreams. Even though we may not get to know you, we hope that you will be as comfortable and happy as if in your own house.
May the business that brought you our way prosper.
May every call you make and every message you receive add to your joy.
May your journey be safe when you leave.
We are all travelers. From birth until death, we travel between the eternities.
May these days be pleasant for you, profitable for society, helpful to those you meet, and a joy to those who know and love you best.
Traveler’s Prayer (Tefilat Haderech)
“May it be Your will, Lord, My God and God of my ancestors, to lead me, to direct my steps, and to support me in peace. Lead me in life, tranquil and serene, until I arrive at where I am going. Deliver me from every enemy, ambush and hurt that I might encounter on the way and from all afflictions that visit and trouble the world. Bless the work of my hands. Let me receive divine grace and those loving acts of kindness and mercy in Your eyes and in the eyes of all those I encounter. Listen to the voice of my appeal, for you are a God who responds to prayerful supplication. Praised are you, Lord, who responds to prayer.”
