Prayer is a connection between the person praying and God. With heartfelt emotions, words are spoken in praise, joy, lament, sorrow, and questions. During happy and sad times, prayers can be offered. The Fisherman’s prayer may bring hope and comfort.
What Is the Fisherman’s Prayer?
Perhaps you have participated in or watched the Blessing of the Fleet. During that special time, a local clergy blesses the vessels as they pass by people watching. This blessing originated in Europe, where a local priest prayed for the fishermen to be safe and have a productive season.
Although the tradition began with mostly Catholic churches, the event is shared by many Christians now. Local priests and pastors are invited to participate.
From coast to coast, vessels on the water must be prepared and vigilant while watching for tornadoes, hurricanes, tide changes, other boats, swimmers, sea creatures, and more. While boating may be an enjoyable pastime for some people, danger can also be involved.
The Fisherman’s Prayer may be offered as comfort to sailors and passengers aboard vessels on the water.
Who Wrote the Fisherman’s Prayer?
The Fisherman’s Prayer is attributed to a poem by Winfred Ernest Garrison. Born in October 1874 in St. Louis, Missouri, he was the son of James H. Garrison. Winfred taught religious history and was an editor of Christian Century magazine. He died in 1969.
Thy sea, O God, so great,
My boat so small.
It cannot be that any happy fate
Will me befall
Save as Thy goodness opens paths for me
Through the consuming vastness of the sea.
Thy winds, O God, so strong,
So slight my sail.
How could I curb and bit them on the long
And saltry trail,
Unless Thy love were mightier than the wrath
Of all the tempests that beset my path?
Thy world, O God, so fierce,
And I so frail.
Yet, though its arrows threaten oft to pierce
My fragile mail,
Cities of refuge rise where dangers cease,
Sweet silences abound, and all is peace.
Imagine the turbulent waters of the ocean. Compare it to the trials we face in daily life. Although those times of struggle may seem endless and overpowering, our hope rests in the peace and comfort of God. He can calm the rough waters of the sea and life.
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” (Psalms 46:1 NIV)
“Voyagers” is shared by Henry Van Dyke in the 1922 hymn collection Thy Sea is Great, Our Boats are Small. Born in Pennsylvania in 1852, Van Dyke wrote short stories, poems, and essays. He became a Presbyterian minister after graduating from seminary in 1877. He died in 1933.
O Maker of the Mighty Deep
Whereon our vessels fare,
Above our life’s adventure keep
Thy faithful watch and care.
In Thee we trust, whate’er befall;
Thy sea is great, our boats are small.
We know not where the secret tides
Will help us or delay,
Nor where the lurking tempest hides,
Nor where the fogs are gray.
We trust in Thee, whate’er befall;
Thy sea is great, our boats are small.
When outward bound we boldly sail
And leave the friendly shore,
Let not our heart of courage fail
Until the voyage is o’er.
We trust in Thee, whate’er befall;
Thy sea is great, our boats are small.
When homeward bound we gladly turn,
O bring us safely there,
Where harbor-lights of friendship burn
And peace is in the air.
We trust in Thee, whate’er befall;
Thy sea is great, our boats are small.
Beyond the circle of the sea,
When voyaging is past,
We seek our final port in Thee;
O bring us home at last.
In Thee we trust, whate’er befall;
Thy sea is great, our boats are small.
Notice the similarities of the need to trust in God at all times. Whatever life brings, we can find comfort in God.
What Else Did Henry Van Dyke Write?
Henry Van Dyke is credited with writing meaningful words such as the 1907 hymn “Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee.” The song reminds us of all God has done for His creations. Choirs and congregants sometimes share this song at special times during the year.
With words of adoration and praise, this hymn reflects thanksgiving and joy.
Another hymn by Van Dyke is “O Lord, Our God, They Mighty Hand,” which was highly popular—it appeared in 46 hymnals. The hymn is also known as “The Nation,” as the words speak of America and freedom.
“O Lord, our God, Thy mighty hand
Hath made our country free;
From all her broad and happy land
May worship rise to Thee.”
What Else Did Winfred Ernest Garrison Write?
Winfred Ernest Garrison is credited with writing the hymn “God of Our Fathers, the Strength of Our People.” This song speaks of adoration for the presence of God. The song’s second section tells of God’s mercy and grace.
The last part of the song asks God to let justice and peace like a river flow through the world. The message shared is that all glory should be given to God.
Garrison also wrote A Brief History of the Disciples of Christ, copyrighted in 1945. This book shares the history of a Protestant movement, also known as the Disciples of Christ, which aimed to restore primitive Christianity.
How Did the Fisherman’s Prayer Become Famous?
Historians report that Admiral Hyman Rickover gave President John F. Kennedy a plaque. Engraved on the plaque are the words, “O God, thy sea is so great and my boat is so small.” Kennedy and new submarine captains were given plaques with these meaningful words.
President Kennedy used the quote while dedicating the East Coast Memorial to the Missing at Sea on May 23, 1963. The President kept the treasured plaque on the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office. The Resolute Desk was a gift from Queen Victoria and had been used by presidents starting with Hayes.
The plaque is now on display in the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
5 Bibles Verses Like the Fisherman’s Prayer
1. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6 NIV)
2. “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7 NIV)
3. “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13 NIV)
4. “Mightier than the thunder of the great waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea—the Lord on high is mighty.” (Psalm 93:4 NIV)
5. “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.” (Nahum 1:7 NIV)
Jesus called fishermen to be His first disciples. Simon, who was called Peter, and his brother Andrew were seen by Jesus as he walked by the Sea of Galilee. Jesus chose these men for His ministry. Then, Jesus chose James, son of Zebedee, and his brother John, both fishermen. These men followed Jesus and shared about Him with others.
Men and women serve on small boats and large ships. Bringing goods into ports daily and night can help the economy locally and globally.
Whether time on the water is for employment or enjoying the views and fellowshipping with others, the fisherman’s prayer can be a source of comfort.
In His Name,
Melissa Henderson
Melissa is the author of Licky the Lizard and Grumpy the Gator. Her passions are helping in the community and church. Melissa is an Elder, Deacon, and Stephen Minister.
Follow Melissa on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and at http://www.melissaghenderson.
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