For Friends on a Journey

O GOD, our Guide and Guardian; hear us as we pray for our friends who now are gone upon a journey. Though separated from us, they are near to Thee. We commit them to Thy care, in the assured confidence that Thou wilt suffer no real ill to befall them. Be to them a Light in the darkness, a Covert in the tempest, a Hiding-place from the wind, and as the Shadow of a great rock in a weary land. Go with them where they go; and dwell where they dwell. To those who open their doors unto them, grant that they may impart some spiritual gift, whether in word or in deed. In due time bring them back in safety and contentment to their home in the fulness of health and strength. Take us all, as we journey through life, into Thy holy keeping. Grant us all, when the days of our wayfaring are past, to dwell in Thy abode of rest, in unbroken fellowship with all whom we have loved. We ask this for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.