Hymn #506

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Eternal Father Strong to Save

The Navy Hymn

Words by William Whiting, 1860

Tune: MELITA by John B. Dykes, in Hymns Ancient and Modern, 1861

Key signature: C major (no sharps or flats)

Public Domain

1. Eternal Father, strong to save, Whose arm hath bound the restless wave, Who bidd’st the mighty ocean deep Its own appointed limits keep; O hear us when we cry to Thee, For those in peril on the sea!

2. O Christ! Whose voice the waters heard And hushed their raging at Thy word, Who walked’st on the foaming deep, And calm amidst its rage didst sleep; O hear us when we cry to Thee, For those in peril on the sea!

3. Most Holy Spirit! Who didst brood Upon the chaos dark and rude, And bid its angry tumult cease, And give, for wild confusion, peace; O hear us when we cry to Thee, For those in peril on the sea!

4. O Trinity of love and power! Our brethren shield in danger’s hour; From rock and tempest, fire and foe, Protect them wheresoe’er they go; Thus evermore shall rise to Thee Glad hymns of praise from land and sea.

2. [alternate] O Savior, Whose almighty word The winds and waves submissive heard, Who walked upon the foaming deep, And calm amid the rage did sleep; Protect us by Thy guarding hand From every peril on the land.

3. [alternate] O Spirit, Whom the Father sent To spread abroad the firmament: O mighty Spirit, by Thy might Save all who take the eagle’s flight, And keep them by Thy watchful care From ev’ry peril in the air.

4. [alternate] O Trinity of love and power, Your children shield in danger’s hour; From rock and tempest, fire and foe, Protect them wheresoe’er they go; Thus evermore shall rise to Thee Glad praise from air and land and sea.

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