This prayer is attributed to the famous English admiral Sir Francis Drake. Early in his career, he started out as a pirate and was involved in the illicit slave trade. He was famous for having circumnavigated the globe in 1577-1578, helped defeat the Spanish Armada and was the most renowned seaman of the Elizabethan era. It is amazing how in recent times, this prayer has been popularized by Bishop Desmond Tutu, himself famous fo his fight against modern-day ‘slavery’.
There is no putting limits to what the human spirit can do and accomplish. Sure, life is not easy. It is difficult and fraught with dangers and disappointments. There is a lot of uncertainty and, with it, panic and fear. We long for a safe harbor but we will never find out what lies out there if we are forever anchored in some safe haven. Risk is inherent in human nature, with some being more daring than others. One gets bolder and is willing to risk more when one is aware of a presence that assures him: “It is I; do not be afraid.”
When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were terrified. But he said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.”
John 6:16-21