Grant me, O Lord, a steady hand and watchful eye,
That no one shall be hurt as I pass by.
Thou gavest life, I pray no act of mine
May take away or mar that gift of Thine.
Shelter those, dear Lord, who bear my company
From the evils of fire and all calamity.
Teach me to use my car for others’ need;
Nor miss through love of undue speed
The beauty of the world; that thus I may
With joy and courtesy go on my way.
St. Christopher, holy patron of travelers,
Protect me and lead me safely to my destiny. Amen.
The Motorist’s Prayer to St. Christopher is a traditional rhymed prayer, printed for generations on holy cards and dashboard medals, asking God for a steady hand and watchful eye and the protection of the patron of travelers.
St. Christopher, fresco by Titian (1523–1524), Doge’s Palace, Venice. Public domain.
Pray it before starting the car, before a long trip, or when driving in bad weather or heavy traffic; a family can pray it together once everyone is buckled in. The prayer asks for protection and for the virtues every driver needs: attention, patience, courtesy and freedom from dangerous speed. The text follows the traditional holy-card wording, as printed by Catholic Culture, with “Thou gavest life” as on older cards.
Tradition tells that Christopher served Christ by carrying travelers across a dangerous river. One night he carried a child who grew heavier with every step and revealed Himself as Christ, who bears the weight of the world. His name means “Christ-bearer.”
Yes. He is an early martyr, still listed in the Roman Martyrology on July 25, and Catholics may honor him and ask his prayers. Catholic Answers explains why his feast left the universal calendar in 1969 even though he remains a saint.
No. A medal is a sacramental that stirs up faith and prayer; it never replaces careful driving. Prayer should strengthen our care for seat belts, sobriety, speed limits, rest and full attention to the road.
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