I had a beautiful experience during a time of prayer last night that I wanted to share. During this period of meditation I asked the Lord for protection and safety during our quickly approaching pilgrimage. As I prayed and tried to clear my mind of competing thoughts and intrusions and just allow it to listen unencumbered, I had the distinct sensation of hands being placed on my shoulders in a protective, comforting, and encouraging manner, giving me the assurance that He will be with us along the way and that nothing will or can happen to us except that He allows it. What a blessed assurance!