The Seafarer’s Psalm
Loosely based on Psalm 23, adapted for seafarers everywhere…
The Lord is my pilot, I shall not drift
He lighteth me across the dark waters;
He steereth me in the deep channels.
He keepeth my log.
He guideth me by the star of holiness for his name sake.
Yea though I sail mid the thunders and tempests of life, I shall dread no danger, for thou art near me.
Thy love and care, they shelter me.
Thou preparest a harbour before me in the homeland of eternity.
Thou anointest the waves with oil, my ship rideth calmly.
Surely sunlight and starlight shall favour me on the voyage I take,
And I will rest in the port of my God forever.
Capt John H Rogers, 1874
“Most of us know the 23rd Psalm off by heart, but the other day, I read in the Friendship Book the seamen’s version of the Psalm. I’d like to share it with you. [see inset.]
“Well, I thought this was very good, because although we may not be sailors, many of these lines can apply to us. For instance, the way the Lord guides us through the thunders and tempests of life, and so we need dread no danger, because He is with us. His love and His care will shelter us, and one day, we can rest with Him for ever.”
Joan Mason
Life-long member of Emmanuel
13 May 1929 –
19 January 2010
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