Eternal Lord God, you alone have spread out the heavens and rule the raging of the sea; bless and keep all who go down to the sea in ships; preserve them in all dangers and bring them in safety to the haven where they would be, with a thankful remembrance of your mercies, to praise and glorify your holy name; through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.
God of change and invention, be with those whose life is spent at sea. In storm, in calm, in harbour, be with them. Be with them in danger, boredom or temptation; for you are God, you are our hope and strength. Amen.
Mark 4:35-41
35 On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, ‘Let us go across to the other side.’ 36 And leaving the crowd behind, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. Other boats were with him. 37 A great gale arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. 38 But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him up and said to him, ‘Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?’ 39 He woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, ‘Peace! Be still!’ Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. 40 He said to them, ‘Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?’ 41 And they were filled with great awe and said to one another, ‘Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?’
Creator God, you have made the sea beautiful and fearful; be with all sea farers who sail on it for work or pleasure and give them safe passage with Christ the voyager, who calmed the storm and strengthened his disciples’ faith. Amen.
Lord God, we depend on you for life itself, and on seafarers to meet so many of our daily needs. Watch over all who go down to the sea in ships – on business, for leisure, or to rescue those in peril or difficulty. Keep them from danger, befriend them in loneliness, and bring them safely home to those they love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A PRAYER FOR MISSION TO SEAFARERS:
Lord God, you show your love in providing for our needs through the service of seafarers. Bless the work of The Mission to Seafarers and kindred societies, who minister to seafarers and their families throughout the world. Raise up supporters and workers that this ministry may grow according to your will, and that seafarers be blessed through loving care and service, in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.