Duluth Harbor Cam

Saturday, March 18, 2017

Seafarer's Prayer

With a new shipping season soon upon us, I thought I would share small piece of my nautical heritage.

My Great Grandfather was an Icelandic itinerant preacher who visited small fishing villages in Iceland during the 1880’s before immigrating to Manitoba Canada in 1893. He brought new safety programs and rescue equipment to the Icelandic fishing villages along with the message of the Gospel.

He wrote this Seafarer’s prayer which was much used by the fishermen of the day.

I think it still applies today, maybe even more so!

Seafarer's Prayer - Rev. Oddur Vigfus Gislason

In the name of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit:

Almighty and Merciful God. I thank Thee for Thy Great protection and mercy, that You have given me life and health, so that I am in a condition to seek work in the sweat of my brow. Oh, my Lord and my God, when I now fare forth out to the fish grounds and feel my impotence and the weakness of my boat in meeting the forces of the mighty elements, then I do lift up Thee my eyes of trust and hope and beseech You, in Jesus’ name, to lead us with good fortune out on the deep, to bless us in our quest for a good catch, to protect us, that we may again reach the shore safely, and come back to our loved ones, after we have gathered much provisions that You have in Your goodness, seen fit to afford us.

Bless our loved ones and give us that we may be re-united with them in joy and safety, for the sake of the Holy Spirit; we give You all our laud and thanks, and worship. Oh, Lord, give us all good fortune - to the ship and to the men - in Jesus name. Amen.