The Midshipman's Prayer: A Sermon Series
Each Sunday during the Plebe Summer of 2013, the preacher for that week addressed one of the petitions of the Midshipman's Prayer. The scripture readings were specially selected to complement and expand on the petition rather than follow the traditional Revised Common Lectionary. Collected here are those sermons, the selected reading citations and some discussion questions to guide our journey through this prayer. We pray that this sermon series will focus your prayer life and help give you a deeper grasp of the Scriptural underpinnings of this timeless prayer.
Each petition of the Midshipman's Prayer below is linked with the sermon as delivered on that petition by the Protestant Chaplains. Below each petition are the scripture references that were used to develop this sermon series.
- Almighty Father, whose way is in the sea, whose paths are in the great waters, whose command is over all and whose love never faileth; let me be aware of Thy presence and obedient to Thy will.
- Genesis 1:1-10
- Psalm 77:1-2, 11-20
- 1 Peter 3:13-22
- Mark 4:35-41
- Keep me true to my best self, guarding me against dishonesty in purpose and in deed, and helping me so to live that I can stand unashamed and unafraid before my shipmates, my loved ones, and thee.
- Daniel 9:4-19
- Psalm 25:1-9
- 2 Corinthians 12:2–10
- Luke 22:39-46
- Protect those in whose love I live.
- Numbers 14: 11-21
- Psalm 25:1-9
- Philippians 1: 3-12
- Matthew 19: 23-29
- Give me the will to do my best and to accept my share of responsibilities with a strong heart and a cheerful mind.
- Genesis 18:1–10a
- Psalm 1
- Colossians 1:15–28
- Luke 10:38-42
- Make me considerate of those entrusted to my leadership and faithful to the duties my country has entrusted in me.
- Exodus 18:14-27
- Psalm 138
- Colossians 2:6–15 [16–19]
- Matthew 8:5-13
- Let my uniform remind me daily of the traditions of the service of which I am a part.
- Numbers 15:37-41
- Psalm 149
- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
- Matthew 7:15-20
- If I am inclined to doubt, steady my faith; if I am tempted, make me strong to resist; if I should miss the mark, give me courage to try again.
- Joshua 1:1-9
- Psalm 119:129-136
- James 1:12-18
- John 20:19-31
- Guide me with the light of truth and keep before me the life of Him by whose example and help I trust to obtain the answer to my prayer, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
- 1 Chronicles 16:34-36
- Psalm 43:1-4
- 1 John 5:6-15
- John 14:1-14
