God made everything in order. From the chaos of darkness and uncertainty, His words brought order to shine upon the face of the earth. This divine order governs all created beings, thus making them logical and beautiful. In our biosphere, we humans are at a prominent place in our interrelationship with nature. We discover inventive ways to survive by obtaining such wits and wisdom from God. For example, fishing is one of the most basic yet effective means of getting food from bodies of water.
We offer this prayer for fishermen. They, who made fishing their livelihood, are vital for the production of our daily needs. They work tirelessly throughout the day and risk their lives on the unpredictable waves of the sea. We pray that they will be kept safe from the tumultuous waters of the sea. May they always be prepared to face the risks that lie ahead of them.
On the other side, fishing can be a leisurely activity. It can be a moment of repose where we can appreciate nature in its spontaneous and simple beauty. The calming waters of lakes and rivers allow us to breathe for a while and be filled with wonder at the divine order of creation. This Fisherman’s prayer can be said for both intentions, yet be one in offering praise and thanksgiving to God for the wondrous gift of order and creation.
A fisherman’s prayer
God, our great provider,
You created everything and every being in this world that we are living in. You have made us in your image and even elevated us as custodians of such a great responsibility. In nurturing and caring for them, we continue to unknowingly serve You. In safeguarding them from harm, we honor their lives. In reaping the fruits of your wondrous creation, we enjoy such a great blessing from You, Father.
Harvesting the riches of the vast ocean brought about fishing. From its ingenious methods since the beginning of time to its modern ways of cultivation, it has become a part of our survival and sustenance here on earth. We enjoy the sea’s bounties through it and owe it all to your great providence. Therefore, our profession as fishermen emphasizes our dependency on You, Father, as the one who provides the goods of the earth.
I admit before you, O great God, the times when the greed for earthly riches overwhelmed my charity over your created creatures. There were also times when I turned a blind eye toward my responsibility as steward of your creation. There were moments when my selfishness overshadowed my responsibility, and somehow I became numb to my guilt. Let your sufficient grace empower the weakness of my will. May I become more aware of my responsibility and mission in nurturing and safeguarding your precious creation as your lowly steward.
May my prayer also extend to other fishermen who spend most of their time traversing the tumultuous waters of the sea. Allow calm waters to welcome them and fair weather to accompany them in their expeditions. May you also grant them a bountiful harvest of the sea’s riches. Through their vocation as fishermen, may they see and share with others the wonders of your creation and the providential care You give, which nourishes Your people.
I also remember in my prayer today those who seek peace from leisurely fishing. They may have a multitude of troubles disturbing them throughout their days and dedicate some time to calm themselves before the calming streams of rivers or to reflect before the serene surface of lakes. May you grant them bodily rest and peace of mind. Let the whole of creation speak to them in their time of great need. May they find comfort from the soothing breeze of the afternoon. May they find warmth in the soft glow of the sun. May they find the fulfillment of their groanings in You, most loving Father.
Through my simple offering of a fishing prayer, may our dependence on the fruits of creation be a way to bring us closer to You, dedicate ourselves to taking care of them, and make our lives holy fishermen of God. May we not only reel in fish for our tables but also bring in people to the church where we can share Christ at the table of our offering. Amen.
Short fisherman’s prayer
Father, keep me and my fellow fishermen and women safe while out on the water. Please help me to be a responsible fisherman and a humble steward of your creation. Amen.
Word of God
As Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew, his brother, casting a net into the sea —- for they were fishers. And he said to them, “Follow me and I will make you fishers of people.”
Matthew 4:18-19
Prayer to St. Andrew the Apostle, Patron of Fishermen
Saint Andrew the Apostle, first called by the Lord, you readily responded to Christ’s call. You were first invited to see Jesus in action, fulfilling His mission on earth. You saw how God’s love emanated from the actions of Jesus. You became a trusted apostle up until the end. Your utmost obedience to God’s will led you to proclaim the gospel throughout Greece.
Through your intercession, may I listen to God’s call every day of my life as a fisherman. In answer to my calling in life as a fisherman, may it lead me to wonder about the greatness of your creation. Your formidable will to face the uncertainties of your mission in proclaiming the gospel to the people is deeply rooted in your fidelity and filial trust in God the Father. May I also develop a more profound sense of trust in God’s providence whenever I sail through the waters to fish. Exposing myself to the various elements of unpredictability may lead me to put my trust within the guiding Hands of God. May God’s mercy envelop me throughout my fishing trips. May I be directed away from all dangers and obtain a bountiful catch.
St. Andrew the Apostle, Patron of Fishermen, pray for us. Amen.
Further reflection
God calls us every day. It is an open invitation for us. It is an open letter that stirs our souls and boggles our minds. Inherent with free will, we have the freedom to choose if we will answer it or not. There might be some days when nothing seems to happen throughout our day, but the choice we make to wake up in the morning is a choice toward life. Inversely, when we become too busy for rest and when time seems to fly away, we thank God for the strength He has given us. Every breath we take is a simple prayer of gratitude for the life we have.
When God calls, He sustains. We might indeed feel torn from choosing the better part from the other. We empty ourselves and allow God’s grace to fill it. Its wounds will eventually heal. Openness to follow God’s will does not happen instantaneously. A series of good and bad choices in life can form us; it will make us aware of who we are and where God might be leading us. “Come and see.” Experiencing the tumultuous waves of life can be in the guise of His grace slowly working within us. The storms of our life may shake our grounds, but a more profound love remains in our hearts, which is of our heavenly Father.
Life is a beautiful thing. May this fishing prayer be our first step in admiring the bounties of God’s creation towards our own giftedness as the crown among His creatures. Inherent with such a gift, may we realize our grand vocation as Christians and Catholics: to remain in God’s love.
