Fishing has been holy work from the beginning of the Church. These prayers are for weekend anglers and for those whose living depends on the sea.
Historical Context
The early Christians used a fish as a secret symbol. The Greek word for fish, ichthys, spells out the first letters of “Jesus Christ, Son of God, Saviour.” Many fishermen today still carry it.
A Fisherman’s Prayer
Lord, thank you for the water, the quiet and the early morning.
Keep me safe on the lake (river, sea) today.
Give me patience when nothing’s biting,
and gratitude when something does.
Let me take only what I need and leave the water as I found it.
St Andrew and St Peter, fishermen, pray for me.
Amen.
For Commercial Fishermen at Sea
Lord, they are out on the sea for days.
Keep the boat sound and the crew safe.
Calm the weather and bring them a good catch.
Watch over the families waiting in port,
and bring every one of them home.
Amen.
For a Good Catch
Lord, you told the disciples where to throw the net.
Tell me too. Amen.
Best Times for This Prayer
- Before launching the boat or casting the first line.
- At the blessing of the fleet, held in many fishing towns.
- When fishing with a child for the first time.
- On 30 November (St Andrew) and 29 June (St Peter).
Scripture Connection
“And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.” — John 21:6
The disciples were experts who had worked all night for nothing. The story isn’t about fishing technique; it’s about who’s in charge of the results. Every fisherman knows that feeling.
Related prayers
For fishermen of Brittany, see the Breton Fisherman’s Prayer. For sailors, the Saint Erasmus Prayer, and for St Andrew, the Saint Andrew Prayer.