Prayers and Worship Resources

The Mariner's/Naval Hymn

Eternal Father, strong to save,
Book of Common Praise #301
Common Praise #567

Thanksgivings and Intercessions

Let us thank God the Father, Maker of the Universe, for the unity and order of created things; for the gift of life; for our share in the continuing work of creation; for creative vision and inventive skill; and for the world of shipping as it links together the people of all nations.
We thank you Lord.

We give thanks for all the resources of the earth and sea; for the ships that distribute them; and for the agencies that work to comfort and relieve those in need.
We thank you Lord.

We thank God for those on whose labour we depend for the necessities of life; for seafarers and all who leave their homes and communities to serve others; for the skills of seamanship and for modern aids to navigation; and for all engaged in the shipping industry.
We thank you Lord.

We pray for our own country; for the nations of the world; and for peace and reconciliation in those areas where there is violence and oppression.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for all seafarers in their daily work; for their safety as they face the dangers of their calling; and for their families during long periods of separation, loneliness and anxiety.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray that the Spirit of God may guide all in positions of leadership in the shipping industry; for an awareness throughout the industry of the sanctity of human life; for those responsible for safety at sea; and for those involved in the training and welfare of seafarers.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for the work of the Church within the shipping industry through the Mission to Seafarers and the Apostleship of the Sea; for the reconciling ministry of all Christian societies ministering to seafarers of different faiths, cultures and ideologies; for all Christians in their place of work.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray that you will bring your whole Church to a greater awareness of the needs of seafarers, so that it may more effectively fulfill its vocation to minister to all your children.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Creator and Father of all, we pray for those who go down to the sea in ships and serve you upon the waters of the world. Bless them and those who serve their needs, that they may put their whole trust in you and find in you a strong anchor for their hopes, and so be filled with your peace, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Thanksgiving for seafarers

Almighty God we give thanks for all those who work at sea. We acknowledge our need for the food and raw materials they transport. We recognize that they are sometimes in danger and their long absences often involve sacrifices in their family life. Help us to show our gratitude not only in our words, but also in our actions. Through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Prayers for those who care for seafarers

God, we ask your blessing on all who care for seafarers. Strengthen them when the hours are long. Uphold them when the work is hard. And grant them the vision to see in those they serve the likeness of your Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ.  Amen.

Thanksgiving for the Mission to Seafarers

O God we thank you for blessing the Mission to Seafarers with men and women who faithfully serve seafarers of every race and creed. We thank you for their love, their advice, their giving and their prayers. We ask your continued blessing on all we do in your name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Naval Prayer

O Eternal Lord God who alone spreadest out the heavens and rulest the raging of the seas; who has compassed the waters with bounds until day and night come to an end; be pleased to receive into thy almighty and most gracious protection the persons of us thy servants, and the fleet in which we serve. Preserve us from the dangers of the sea and from the violence of the enemy, that we may be a safeguard unto our most gracious sovereign, King Charles, and his dominions, and a security for such as pass on the seas upon their lawful occasions; that the inhabitants of the commonwealth may in peace and quietness serve Thee our God, and that we may return safely to enjoy the blessings of the land, with the fruits of our labours and with a thankful remembrance of thy mercies to praise and glorify Thy Holy Name. Amen.

Interfaith Introduction

Respecting the freedom of conscience, religion and beliefs of each person,
I invite you now, to take a few moments in silent reflection or to join me in prayer.

Prayers for Seafarers

Lord God, we depend on you for life itself. We depend on seafarers for many of our daily needs. Watch over them, keep them from danger, befriend them in loneliness and bring them safely home to those they love.  Amen.

We pray, O God for all seafarers as they fulfill the duties and face the dangers of their calling: the officers, men and women the Royal Canadian Navy; the Canadian Coast Guard and Auxiliary; police and fire rescue; the fishing fleet; the pilots; and all who carry out the services of docks and harbours. Grant them your strength and protection and keep them in the hours of special need; for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.

Prayer for the Shipping Industry

Almighty God, we pray for the shipping industry, for those who build, own and manage ships., Give them the will to care for those who go to sea. And grant to all who work at sea the blessings of safe ships, good food and a just reward for all their work. Through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Prayer for the Mission to Seafarers

Bless the Mission to Seafarers and all who work for seafarers. Keep their welcome warm, and their love and care unstinting. May their ministry to seafarers express the love of Christ for all people. Amen.

Prayer for Supporters

We give thanks for all those around the world who support the work of the Mission to Seafarers and whose prayers uphold this work.  Amen.

Blessing for Recreational Boaters

Jesus, you were present at creation and are with us in all of our activities. Bless this boat and all who sail in her. Give the skipper and crew presence of mind in danger and guide him/her as he/she keeps her in good repair. Grant him/her the wisdom of knowing when to go out and when to stay put, so that they may have a safe passage. May everyone who sails in her be renewed in spirit through the encounter with the beauty of our Creator’s handiwork. Amen.

Sailor's Paraphrase of the 23rd Psalm

The Lord is my pilot, I shall not drift.
He lighteth me across the dark waters.
He steereth me in the deep channels.
He keepeth my log.
He guideth me beneath stars of his holiness for his name’s sake.
Yea, though I sail ‘mid the thunders and tempest of life,
I shall dread no anger, for thou art with me;
Thy love and thy care, they shelter me.
Thou preparest a harbour for me in the homeland of eternity.
Thou anointest the waves with oil
My ship rideth calmly.
Surely sunlight and starlight shall favour me on the voyage I take,
And I will rest in the port of God forever.

Sailor's Psalm

Psalm 107:23-31

Some went down to the sea in ships
and plied their trade in deep waters;
They beheld the works of the Lord
and his wonders in the deep.
Then he spoke, and a stormy wind arose,
which tossed high the waves of the sea.
They mounted up to the heavens
and fell back to the depths;
their hearts melted because of their peril.
They reeled and staggered like drunkards
and were at their wits’ end.
Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
and he delivered them from their distress.
He stilled the storm to a whisper
and quieted the waves of the sea.
Then were they glad because of the calm,
and he brought them to the harbour they were bound for.
Let them give thanks to the Lord for his mercy
and the wonders he does for his children.