Women have traditionally formed the majority of the congregation, praying for the protection of their fathers, husbands, and sons while they were away at sea in merchant fleets, diving for sponges, or working in lands far away.
Women prayed for the protection of the men in their families while they were working away from home. 
mnli hypothesis: Women prayed for the protection of the men in their families while they were working away from home.  premise: Women have traditionally formed the majority of the congregation, praying for the protection of their fathers, husbands, and sons while they were away at sea in merchant fleets, diving for sponges, or working in lands far away.