Prayer and Weather forecasts

Lying in port waiting for good weather, we spend hours studying weather forecasts. Here on Lake Michigan all sort of weather troubles can arise: heavy winds of a storm raise seas throwing the boat into tumult; fog with cold rain makes sight unreliable. On the water listening to weather forecasts is essential.

Yet when we are home we seldom listen to weather forecasts. When life is comfortably safe we think little of possible future storms.

Is this how we treat prayer? Essential in times of difficulty, but only occasionally necessary in ordinary time? Are we living a God-rescued way of life or a God-directed way of life?

This was brought to mind after Saturday Mass in a new port. Greeting an unknown priest after Mass, we told him it was our 51st wedding anniversary, so we searched for Mass on our wedding date. Immediately, he asks to bless us, total strangers, praying for God’s grace upon us for our many years together. For him, this was totally natural- living a God-directed way of life.

We have set morning and evening prayers, adding daily readings as we navigate long empty stretches of water, seldom meeting another boat with land far off the horizon for long daylight hours.

Our instruments guide us, yet we have control of these devices. But do we thank the One who has ultimate control of our safety? Are we watchful, vigilant of Him who silently guides our land and sea life?

Thank you, Lord, for Your daily guidance
As we travel our earthly life journey.
Never let us forget You-

You who rule the wind and storms.
Lead us through the unseen dangers
Of a disbelieving, unforgiving world.
This we ask in Jesus’ name.
Amen