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Some went down to the sea in ships,
doing business on the great waters;
they saw the deeds of the LORD,
his wondrous works in the deep.
For he commanded, and raised the stormy wind,
which lifted up the waves of the sea.

They mounted up to heaven, they went down to the depths;
their courage melted away in their evil plight;
they reeled and staggered like drunken men,
and were at their wits' end.

Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble,
and he delivered them from their distress;
he made the storm be still,
and the waves of the sea were hushed.

Then they were glad because they had quiet,
and he brought them to their desired haven.
Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love,
for his wonderful works to the sons of men!

From Psalm 107

O God, present in every place, look down with mercy on those whom we love, now in danger of the storm, those we know, those who need your special care. Give your angels charge over them, and defend them from all danagers of body and soul, wind, sea and the fatigue of being refugees. Bring us together again, if it is your will. Grant that we, drawing nearer to you, may draw nearer to one another, and truly come to see how we are all beloved children of a loving God, even when times seem dark. Lord, may we all be brought at the end into your presence, where we may rejoice together in our heavenly home. Through Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
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