"May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed" - Psalm 20:4 (NIV). 

In the olden days here in central Uganda before the arrival of buggy and then motor transport, long distance travellers had to set out before cockcrow. This was important as to beat the heat of the rising sun. Because of the long journey ahead travellers also made sure they had packed food - mainly baked and roasted goodies which could last through a long period of travel. Perhaps they considered that as the most important piece.

Hebrew households were also involved as any in long distance travel, theirs on camel through a scorching desert. One such journey involved the household of Betheul whose daughter Rebekah had just accepted an engagement to a fairing groom called Isaac.This was after a servant acting as a go between had convinced Laban to offer his sister's hand in marriage (Genesis 24).

Even after consenting the family was in no hurry to let off Rebekah. So they called Rebekah and asked her, “Will you go with this man?” “I will go,” she said" (Genesis 24:58). They had no other option. But then, just before Rebekah mounted a waiting camel they all gathered and offered her a prayer of blessings.

"And they blessed Rebekah and said to her, “Our sister, may you increase to thousands upon thousands; may your offspring possess the cities of their enemies" (vv 60).

For all intents and purposes God answered that prayer and Rebekah would go on to mother a powerful nation of Israel through her son Jacob. One might think of any other thing that Rebekah could have started with on that long journey, maybe some roasted and baked goodies. But we know here it was the prayer of blessings that unlocked the way.

For all your journeys do not forget that the most important item you need to start with is that prayer of blessings.

Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, as I start out on any journey may you grant me success as you did for Rebekah, this I pray in Jesus's name.