In “Fifty Years of Ocean Hazard,” Sir Charles G. Matheson, D.S.O., R.D., R.N.R., Commodore of the Orient Line, tells the story of his selection, a few years ago, to read the lesson at the National Seafarers’ Service in St. Paul’s Cathedral. As this was the first time the task had been allotted to a seaman, he says, he was a “little nervous.” When he actually reached the Cathedral and the time drew near for him to stand up and face the congregation he began to tremble violently. He tried to pull himself together and failed; then he knelt down and “prayed and prayed.”
“May I say this very simply,” the Commodore continued: “I have always believed in prayer—as the majority of my profession do at heart—and ever since that moment in St. Paul’s Cathedral I am more convinced than ever of the efficacy of prayer. As the last echo of the psalm died away and the time came for me to step forward and face that mighty congregation to read God’s Holy Word, my nervousness completely left me. It seemed as if unseen hands had stripped me of a mantle of fear, and when I stood up I felt as cool as ice, and as calm as I always am, I hope, on the bridge of my ship at sea.”