Short Stories » The Ship

The Ship

A voyaging ship was wrecked during a storm at sea and only two of the men on it were able to swim to a small, desert like island.

The two survivors, not knowing what else to do, agreed that they had no other recourse but to pray to God. However, to find out whose prayer was more powerful, they agreed to divide the territory between them and stay on opposite sides of the island.

The first thing they prayed for was food. The next morning, the first man saw a fruit-bearing tree on his side of the land, and he was able to eat its fruit. The other man’s parcel of land remained barren.

After a week, the first man was lonely and he decided to pray for a wife. The next day, another ship was wrecked, and the only survivor was a woman who swam to his side of the land. On the other side of the island, there was nothing.

Soon the first man prayed for a house, clothes, more food. The next day, like magic, all of these were given to him. However, the second man still had nothing.

Finally, the first man prayed for a ship, so that he and his wife could leave the island. In the morning, he found a ship docked at his side of the island. The first man boarded the ship with his wife and decided to leave the second man on the island.

He considered the other man unworthy to receive God’s blessings, since none of his prayers had been answered.

As the ship was about to leave, the first man heard a voice from heaven booming, “Why are you leaving your companion on the island?”

“My blessings are mine alone, since I was the one who prayed for them,” the first man answered. “His prayers were all unanswered and so he does not deserve anything.”

“You are mistaken!” the voice rebuked him. “He had only one prayer, which I answered. If not for that, you would not have received any of my blessings.”

“Tell me,” the first man asked the voice, “What did he pray for that I should owe him anything?”

“He prayed that all your prayers be answered.”

For all we know, our blessings are not the fruits of our prayers alone, but those of another praying for us.

Watch the story video ↴

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The Ship - Takeaway for Class 1,2,3

Always be grateful for what you have and thankful to those who help you.

The Ship - Takeaway for Class 4,5,6

Always remember to appreciate and be grateful for the kindness and help others show you, just like the passenger who learned a valuable lesson about gratitude on the ship.

The Ship - Takeaway for Class 7,8,9

Always appreciate the things you have, as they can be more valuable than you realize.

3 Fun Facts

• Peter learned that sharing what he had with others made him happier than keeping it all to himself.
• Even a small gesture of kindness, like sharing a cookie, can make a big difference in someone else's day.
• The ship, though simple, became a symbol of friendship and gratitude for everyone involved.

Quiz for Class 1,2,3

• What did the two brothers enjoy doing together during their holidays?
• Who helped the boys find their way back to the campsite?
• What did the boys learn from their adventure by the sea?

Quiz for Class 4,5,6

• What lesson did Tony learn while he was on the ship?
• How did Tony first feel when he realized he was on a ship instead of a plane?
• What event on the ship made Tony appreciate the crew and the journey more?

Quiz for Class 7,8,9

• What caused Lee’s family to embark on their journey on the ship to America, and what event disrupted their voyage?
• How did the stranded passengers on the island manage to survive and what did they learn during their time there?
• What realization did Lee have when the rescuers finally arrived to save him and the other passengers from the island?