Lord, we thank you for the boaters who have gone before us. May they return home safely, and let their adventures be a blessing to others. We ask that you guide them with your wisdom and grace. Amen. Dear God, We thank you for the blessings of this day. We ask that you protect us and our loved ones as we travel on the water. We pray you will guide our journey, and give us strength to resist temptation when we are tempted by the things of this world. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen
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Prayer For Boaters
We pray for all who are in distress at sea that they will find safety and comfort in your loving arms.
Thank you for your protection over us as we travel by boat today. Please continue to guide us safely home tonight!
Dear God, please protect all the boaters out there in their boats, and keep them safe.
We know that boating can be a dangerous activity and we pray for those who have lost their lives on the water so that they may now rest in peace with you.
We also ask for your guidance to those who are currently working as Coast Guard members or police officers so they may be able to rescue any boaters in distress.
Dear Lord,
We come to you today with a special request. Please watch over those who are out on the water and keep them safe from harm. We know that many of them are traveling for business or pleasure, and we ask that you bless their journeys with good weather and calm seas.
In your loving name we pray, Amen
Dear Lord,
We are so thankful for the opportunity to be out on the water today. We ask that you guide us through this journey safely and with ease. We pray that you grant us the confidence and peace of mind to navigate our way through any difficulties we may encounter. We thank you for our boat, our crew, and the wonderful weather we’ve had today. We pray that you bless each member of our crew and their families with health, happiness, and prosperity. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen
Dear Lord, we pray for the safety of all those who are on the water today. We know that you are with them, and we ask that you guide their ships safely through the waves.
We also pray that you would watch over those whose job it is to keep us safe while we travel through the water. May they have wisdom in knowing when to sound an alarm and when not to, so that they might be alert but not alarmed.
Protect all those who are far from home, whether by choice or circumstance; may they find peace and comfort in your presence.
And finally, Lord God, we ask that you bless our country’s leaders with wisdom from above; may they make decisions based on love rather than fear so that our nation may continue to grow stronger. Amen
Dear God,
Protect those who travel on water.
Be with them and their families,
And bring them safely home.
Amen
Strong Prayers for Sailors at Sea
Psalms 107: 28-29
Dear Lord, I pray for sailors at sea and we pray that in line with Your Word, they will call out to You at any time, during any storm, knowing that You will hear. It is You who is in control of the sea and it is You who calms all storms so that the waves are still. Lord, I pray that those at sea will travel with Your heavenly authority so that they may be protected and remain at peace; this is the prayer of our hearts, Amen.
Psalms 107:30-31
Heavenly Father, I pray that You will be the ultimate guide for sailors at sea. I declare stillness over the atmosphere and I pray against hazardous weather conditions, so that they can be brought safely to harbor. I praise You Lord for Your great love and for the wonderful things You have done and will continue to do for them! Thank You in advance for their safe journey in Jesus Name, Amen.
Psalms 107: 23-25
Dear Lord, I pray that sailors will experience You whilst they journey for long periods of time. As they go off to sea doing business on great waters, I pray that they too, will observe Your power in action and Your excellent works in the deep. Help them to know that You command and raise the stormy wind, which lifts up the waves of the sea. Lord, let them see Your beauty in the nature that they are surrounded by, this we ask, Amen.
Deuteronomy 31:6
Oh Father, I pray those who go off to sea will remember to be strong and courageous. I pray that they will not be afraid nor dismayed by violent waters because You are their guide. You will never leave nor forsake them because You are the One who goes before them. Let this Word be the authority that they sail on so that they will not be shaken by the physical storms they may experience, this we pray, Amen.
Psalm 5:11
Dear Lord, I Thank You for being the keeper of those who sail at sea. I ask that You grant them peace as they put their trust in You. I pray that sailors take refuge in You and also because You defend them. Father let the praises of each morning fill their hearts because of Your goodness. Spread Your protection over them and the ships that they sail. Let them rejoice in Your divine love and protection, this we ask, Amen.
Colossians 3:15
Dear Lord, just as You rule the sea, I pray that You rule the hearts of the sailors. I pray that Your peace will be the controlling factor in their hearts daily. Father send Your command to quiet the violent winds and the roaring seas. I also pray that when sailors are far from their homes, they will be assured that Your love, protection and care surround them at all times. We bless You Father, Amen.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Heavenly Father, I pray that when there seems to be no hope, I pray that You will be the bright and morning star for sailors. I pray that they will trust in You with all their heart and lean not on their own understanding. May you be acknowledged at all times so You can direct their paths. Thank You for being their guide when they lose their sense of direction, Amen.
How to Christen A Boat: A Step-by-Step Guide
For centuries, seafarers have been a mythical bunch. Sailors of old and new alike have blamed their maritime hardships on Poseidon and his mighty wrath, bringing about a rich set of superstitions that are still followed today. Among the most noteworthy of these superstitions is the need to hold a boat christening ceremony for any new vessel. It’s thought that if you don’t properly christen your boat, you’re doomed to a long run of bad luck and misfortune at sea. While boat christening ceremonies vary slightly depending on where you’re from, there’s a common set of standards to follow to welcome your new vessel to the family.
What You’ll Need to Christen a Boat
- Your New Boat
- Friends or Family to Join the Ceremony
- Bottle(s) of Champagne, Wine, or Sparkling Cider
- One Branch of Green Leaves
- A Pre-Scored Ceremonial Glass Bottle
- A Fine-Mesh Containment Bag
How to Christen a Boat: Step-by-Step
1. Choose the Right Day
There are certain days on which you should NEVER hold a boat christening ceremony, as they may bring bad luck and misfortune to your time at sea. While most of the days are based on religious events, sailors and seafarers have followed these traditions for centuries – making it wise to carry on the torch, even if for no other reason.
Avoid holding a boat christening ceremony on the following days in hopes of safe passage moving forward:
- Any Friday – Fridays are considered bad luck, likely for religious reasons (Jesus was crucified on a Friday). While this may seem like a strange reason not to hold your boat christening ceremony, remember: even the US Coast Guard waits until the weekend to christen their new boats, even when they finish building them on a Friday. It’s part of a long tradition, and we would hesitate to break it.
- Any Thursday – If you’re even slightly familiar with Norse mythology, the name “Thor” should ring a bell or two. Thor is considered the God of storms and thunder, and it is believed that holding a boat christening ceremony on a Thursday provokes just that. Avoid the wrath of this Norse God and choose a day without so much daunting potential.
- The First Monday in April – This religiously marked day is when Caine slew Abel, and was condemned to a life of wandering by God.
- The Second Monday in August – This is the day that God destroyed the biblical cities of Sodom and Gomorrah with fire and brimstone.
- The 31st of December – On this day, Judas felt so much remorse seeing Jesus condemned to death that he committed suicide by hanging.
2. Gather Friends and Family At the Boat
Once you’ve chosen an appropriate day, it’s time to inform friends, family, and anyone else associated with the vessel to gather at the location you will christen your boat. Common places to hold a boat christening ceremony are marina slips, moorings, or anchorages. Be sure to make a quick maiden voyage from your destination to celebrate and solidify the christening. It’s also a good idea to rig the vessel before the ceremony to avoid any possible delays or hiccups at departure. When everyone arrives at the boat, gather them together and prepare for the toast.
3. Distribute Your Drink of Choice
Traditionally, boat captains would use red wine to christen a boat. Today, a wider range of spirits are used during boat christening ceremonies. Champagne is the most popular choice, but you can choose to use wine, ciders, and various other liquors such as rum or brandy. Either way, you’ll need something that all of your attendees are willing to drink. With the guests gathered and their glasses full, it’s time to move on to the toast.
4. Give a Toast
With everyone’s attention and glasses raised, you’ll need to give a toast and say a few words about the boat. Start by welcoming your guests, thank them for joining, and reveal the boat’s name. You’ll then have the choice of saying a few words about the vessel, saying a poem, or both. Most owners choose to talk about the merits of the boat, its history, and where they hope to sail with it.
Others simply decide to recite the traditional poem to christen a boat. The verse reads as follows:
“For thousands of years, we have gone to sea. We have crafted vessels to carry us, and we have called them by name. These ships will nurture and care for us through perilous seas, and so we affectionately call them “she.” To them, we toast and ask to celebrate (Name of Your Vessel)”.
- Toast: “To the sailors of old!? To (Name of Your Vessel)! – (Everyone drinks)
“The moods of the sea are many, from tranquil to violent. We ask that this ship be given the strength to carry on. The keels are strong, and she keeps out the pressures of the sea”.
- Toast: “To the sea! To the sailors of old! To the sea!” – (Everyone drinks)
“Today, we come to name this lady (Name of Your Vessel) and send her to sea to be cared for and to care for (Names of the Crew). We ask the sailors of old and the mood of God that is the sea to accept (Name of Your Vessel) as her name, to help her through her passages, and allow her to return with her crew safely”.
- Toast: “To the sea! To the sailors before us! To (Name of Your Vessel)! – (Everyone Drinks)
5. Lay a Branch of Green Leaves on the Deck
Once you’re finished with the toast, gather and lay a single branch with green leaves on the boat’s deck. The branch serves as a good luck omen and symbolizes safe returns from your journey. Don’t fuss too much over what type of branch it is – any branch with green leaves will do. The leaves only need to stay on the boat through the christening ceremony and the maiden voyage. After, feel free to throw it overboard.
6. Break the Bottle on the Bow of the Boat
After you’ve made your speech, it’s time for the most exciting part of the boat christening ceremony – breaking the bottle! The first thing you’ll want to do is move the party to the front of the boat. Tradition calls for the captain to break the bottle somewhere over the bow, be it a cleat, anchor roller, or anywhere else. We advise not to break the bottle directly on the bow itself, as the gel paint can chip, and the woodwork can damage.
As an alternative to breaking the bottle, you can pour a bit of your chosen drink over the bow. This option is far less fun, though, not to mention it doesn’t exactly follow the christening traditions. If you’ve gone this far to plan for a christening ceremony, we suggest following through with the proper ritual.