Resources

(The following are prayers and liturgies for use in services recognizing Seafarers Sunday. Special thanks to Mission to Seafarers, Canada and Apostleship of the Sea.)

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 New England Seafarers Mission and all Maritime Ministries; 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.

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.

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  Navy; the Coast Guard; 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.

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.

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.

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.

Prayer for the New England Seafarers Mission
Bless the New England Seafarers Mission 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.

Thanksgiving for the New England Seafarers Mission
O God we thank you for blessing the New England Seafarers Mission 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.

Prayer for Supporters
We give thanks for all those who support the work of the New England Seafarers Mission  and whose prayers uphold this work.  Amen.

Sailor’s Paraphrase of the 23^rd Psalm
The Lord is my pilot, I shall not drift.
He brings me across the dark waters.
He steers me in the deep channels.
He keeps my journey.
He guides me beneath stars of his creation for His name’s sake.
Yea, though I sail through the waves and storms of life,
I shall fear no anger, for You are with me;