I enjoyed the gathering of the enthusiasts who support seafarers at our Hobart Station recently. This is a strategic mission and I realise that it is not as well known as it might be.

The Mission to Seafarers, formerly called The Missions to Seamen, cares for the spiritual and practical welfare of seafarers of all races and creeds in 300 parts word-wide.  We ask for your prayers for seafarers, their families and for The Mission to Seafarers as it continues the Anglican Church’s ministry to those at sea.

At the Hobart Station’s Annual Meeting we prayed for seafarers and the Mission:

Prayer for Seafarers

Loving God, you give us everything.  Hear us as we pray for seafarers who endure hardship, danger and discomfort to bring us the goods we use each day.  Keep them safe in the palm of your hand and bring them through sunshine and storm to their homes and loved ones.  Through Jesus Christ who stilled the storm and called seafarers to follow him.  Amen.

Prayer for the Mission to Seafarers

Lord Jesus, friend of seafarers, bless The Mission to Seafarers and its work throughout the world.  Inspire staff, volunteers and supporters to give freely of your gifts of wisdom, compassion and understanding to all who need them.  May seafarers find a warm welcome, a keen will to help and serve, and in everything a love that honours your holy name.  Amen.

A Prayer of St Ignatius Loyola (1491-1556)

[‘Teach ME good Lord …’ or a corporate prayer – ‘Teach US good Lord …’]

Teach me /us, good Lord, to serve you as you deserve;
to give and not to count the cost,
to fight and not to heed the wounds,
to toil and not to seek for rest,
to labour and not to ask for any reward,
save that of knowing that I/we do your will;

O Lord my/our God.  Amen.