Psalm 107

Some went down to the sea in ships,
doing business on the mighty 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 calamity;
they reeled and staggered like drunkards,
and were at their wits’ end.
Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
and he brought them out 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 humankind.

Somehow I heard Prince Charles read this psalm at the funeral of Lord Mountbatten.

The ceremony was on September 5, 1979. Standing at the great lectionary in Westminster Abbey, dressed in full uniform, the then young prince read the words with a dignity and feeling that has remained with me for over thirty years.

The psalm was especially apt. The Earl had been assassinated by bomb hidden in his boat by terrorists.

The psalm was followed by singing I vow to thee my country.

Authentic worship honors our human potential even as it calls us to deep humility.

Psalm 107