Safe Return Ceremony

Purpose

Before someone in the community sets out on a trip — for business, or to visit family — this ceremony is held ahead of their final decision to go. A Safe Return ceremony is mentioned in the Dead Sea Scrolls tradition as well, giving this practice real historical roots.

Reading the Fire

A sacred fire is lit first, and if it simply won’t catch, the trip is called off outright — everyone then works to figure out why, and whether some repentance is needed before trying to light it again. Once lit, how the fire behaves carries its own meaning: if a coal sticks to the base board and has to be brushed loose, it’s a sign to cling to community while away — to hold fast to its values and rule. If a coal clings to the notch in the hearth, it means to stay especially close to the Lord during the trip. If the fire catches fast and easy, it’s excited for the journey — worth staying alert for an unexpected ministry opportunity or blessing along the way. If the fire is stubborn to start but then blows to life easily, expect a hard trip — watch for a breakdown or some other difficulty. If the fire catches normally but needs real effort to blow into full flame, the trip is approved, but accomplishing what the Lord wants from it will take real work.

The Ceremony Itself

Once the fire is going, those traveling explain their purpose and whatever the Lord has already told them about His will for the trip — what He wants accomplished. Cedar is then passed around, and everyone prays over the travelers for safety and for the Lord’s purposes to be fulfilled. Each person places their prayed-over cedar onto the coals, starting in the east and moving around the circle, with the man of service going last — using more cedar than anyone else to build up good smoke. He blesses a sprig of cedar in that smoke and gives it to the travelers to carry with them.

A Track Record of Accuracy

By all accounts, both the fire and the Spirit have proven remarkably accurate over the history of this ceremony, borne out by what travelers report once they return home.

Where to Read