PRAYER ROOM

The Helmsman

Steer the ship of my life, good Lord, to the quiet harbour, where I can be safe from the storms of sin and conflict. Show me the course I should take. Renew me in the gift of discernment, so that I can always see the right direction in which I should go; and give me the strength and courage to choose the right course, even when the sea is rough and the waves are high, knowing that through enduring hardship and danger we shall find comfort and peace (St Basil of Caesarea).

Away from home. Away from family and friends - Times of danger and times of fear - Many temptations and difficult choices.

Being at sea is rarely easy. It can involve many hardships and sacrifices, some which are difficult to cope with. You can be lonely even in a crew. This special Seafarers' Place may help you to find strength to overcome difficulty and hardship.

The Mission to Seafarers has chaplains and others to help you in 230 ports worldwide We are there to assist in all practical and spiritual ways and show you how we can also find friendship with GOD, who can be with us whatever we have to face.

Friendship with God brings COMPANIONSHIP
God has said "I will never leave you; I will never forget you" So we can be sure when we say "I will not be afraid because the LORD is my helper"(Hebrews13:5-6)

God wants our FRIENDSHIP
It doesn't matter who we are. It doesn't matter what we've done. God wants us as a friend. So wherever we are, we can know that God is with us. He sent his Son, Jesus Christ into the world so we could know his friendship in our lifes. Jesus said, "If people love me, they will obey my teaching. My father will love them and we will come to them and make our home with them"(John 14)

Prayers For seafarers
Lord God, Creator of land and sea, bless those who work at sea. Be with them in fair weather and foul, in danger or distress. Strengthen them when weary, lift them up when down and comfort them when far from their loved ones. In this life, bring them safely to shore and, in the life to come, welcome them to your kingdom. For Jesus Christ's sake. Amen

For each other
God, you give us so much. Give us one thing more, a heart filled with love for you and for those we meet today. May we be ready to listen to others as you listen to us. May we be happy to laugh with those who laugh, and weep with those who hurt. May we share what we have with those who have less. For Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.

God grant us the strength to voyage on. Give us the courage to believe in your kingdom, in your light in our darkness, and your love in our lives. For Jesus Christ's sake. Amen

Lord, my ship is so small and your sea is so big "We are as near to heaven by sea as by land!"

(Sir Humphrey Gilbert)