Day 59 pilgrim prayer

Day 59

“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 love of your Name, make a pilgrimage to Compostella. 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. Amen.” Pilgrim Prayer (Codex Calixtinus-12th Century)
This prayer is from what is considered the first travel guide for the camino. (The Codex Calixtinus is more than just a travel guide but it certainly has that component.) And this prayer takes Pilgrims all the way back to one of the earliest pilgrims that is known to people of faith, Abraham. Genesis tells us of Abraham’s and Sarah’s journeys and how God was faithful to God’s promises to them and to their children’s children.

This prayer is a blessing for all of us who find ourselves on similar journeys, whether on the camino de Santiago, or another particular pilgrimage, or simply the journey of life. It’s always good to have a companion….and especially one who who can be a guard, guide, strength, defense, shelter, shade, light, comfort, firmness…and help us arrive safely with with grace and joy!!