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The Faith We Sing · No. 2191 · Words: William Whiting · Tune: MELITA
Eternal Father, Strong to Save
Create PowerPoint slides from this hymn →Written by William Whiting in 1860 as a petition to each person of the Trinity for protection of those at sea, this hymn—commonly called 'The Navy Hymn'—has been sung at naval services and state funerals for over 160 years. Its three stanzas address Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in turn, each closing with the same refrain.
Verse 1
Eternal Father, strong to save,
whose arm has bound the restless wave,
who bid the mighty ocean deep
its own appointed limits keep:
O hear us when we cry to thee
for those in peril on the sea.
Verse 2
O Savior, whose almighty word
the wind and waves submissive heard,
who walked upon the foaming deep,
and calm amid its rage did sleep:
O hear us when we cry to thee
for those in peril on the sea.
Verse 3
O Holy Spirit, who did brood
upon the waters dark and rude,
and bid their angry tumult cease,
and gave, for fierce confusion, peace;
O hear us when we cry to thee
for those in peril on the sea.
Verse 4
O Trinity of love and power,
all travelers guard 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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