LiturgyTools.net: Hymns about the miracle of the great catch of fish

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This is a selection of hymns and songs based on the miracle of the great catch of fish, as told in Luke 5:1-11. This story is also known as the miraculous draught of fishes.

It does not include hymns about other topics which could be implied from the story- just ones which relate directly to it. However, due to the lack of hymns about this passage, it does take a broad view, and includes hymns which only a brief mention of the story

The list is grouped into two sections:

Free-use (either copyright has expired, or the author has allowed them to be freely used)
Still subject to copyright and so can only be used if you are covered by a copyright license.

Both children's and adults hymns / songs are included in each list - because except for the youngest of children, it is is difficult to draw a clear distinction between them.

If you know of any songs or hymns based on this bible-story which are not included, please leave a message in Comment box near the bottom of the page.

About the the miracle of the great catch of fish

This miracle story is recorded in Luke 5:1-11. It happens during the early stages of Jesus' ministry, when he is still inviting disciples to join him and preparing them for the intensive formation experience of living and working with him during his public ministry and crucifixion.

In this story, some fishermen had worked all night, but caught nothing. They were washing their nets, getting ready to give up and go home. But Jesus sees the empty boats they had left by the shore, gets into to one, and asks Simon to put out a little from the shore. Then Jesus teaches the people for a while. After teaching, he says to Simon

“Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” Simon is sceptical - he knows they caught no fish all night. But because Jesus asks, he lets down the nets. Suddenly, unexpectedly a large number of fish appear, right where their nets are, not that far from shore. There are so many fish that the nets are strained, even when the fish are shared with James and John, the sons of Zebedee who were also fishing in the area. The fishers were all astonished.

At this, Simon realises Jesus power, he falls on his knees saying “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” But Jesus reassures him saying, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” In response, the fishing crews landed their boats, left them behind and followed Jesus.

A significant difference between this an the other miracle story involving Jesus fishing is that this time, Jesus is actually in the boat with the fishermen. He entered into their world, and while there showed the potential disciples how he worked.