By Jim Towers
While, in this life, we must all go through trials and tribulations, but there are many promises for us to cling to in the word of God. Consider this verse, “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” Such promises are backed up by the prophets of God as well.”
As most of you know, I used to consider the Naples Pier my mission station – but have since expanded my witnessing to wherever I may be at the time – including the hospital I happen to be frequenting more and more often. (I will tell you about some of my extraordinary encounters while there in a following article I’m composing while sitting on my hospital bed waiting to be discharged.)
Though I still love being on the pier and talking to visitors from all parts of the world, over the years I’ve come to know many fishing “regulars” who even with the number of fish disappearing continue to come daily – hoping to catch something – anything.
Then I remembered reading Ezekiel 47: 6-9 (which was for me an eye opener for those who like to fish.) Noticing the guys frustration, I wrote this prayer to all the men I know who gather daily at the pier in hopes of encouraging them to seek God’s face and favor through Jesus Christ.
I cut and pasted the passage and prayer into a Christmas card and went about delivering them to each of the discouraged and forlorn men.
The first part is a quote from the prophet Ezekiel followed by the prayer.
Ezekiel 47:6-9
And he said unto me, Son of man, hast thou seen this? Then he brought me and caused me to return to the brink of the river. 7Now when I had returned, behold, at the bank of the river were very many trees on the one side and on the other. 8Then said he unto me, These waters issue out toward the east country, and go down into the desert, and go into the sea: which being brought forth into the sea, the waters shall be healed. 9And it shall come to pass, that everything that liveth, which moveth, whithersoever the rivers shall come, shall live: and there shall be a very great multitude of fish, because these waters shall come thither: for they shall be healed; and everything shall live whither the river cometh. 10And it shall come to pass, that the fishers shall stand upon it from Engedi even unto Eneglaim; they shall be a place to spread forth nets; their fish shall be according to their kinds, as the fish of the great sea, exceeding many.
I present this short prayer to you just as I wrote it.
A FISHERMAN’S PRAYER
By Jim Towers
Heavenly Father, creator of all things, I come humbly, asking that you grant me entrance to your heavenly kingdom – at my death – to enjoy the fishing there for eternity. A place of infinite variety of fish in great abundance. A beautiful place noted in your word – the Holy Bible.
Please accept my repentance and contriteness of heart for my many sins and lack of faith toward you and bid me enter your rest. This I ask in the most holy name of Jesus Christ.
YBIC
Jim Towers
You can write me at jt.filmmaker@yahoo.com or visit my website www.propheticsignsandwonders.com also www.dropzonedelta.org.