In honor of Veterans' Day, and with thanks to those who serve and have served our country, I chose this hymn, often called the "Navy Hymn," both to honor our military veterans and because its message is timeless and true.
The verses below were written by Englishman William Whiting in 1860, as a poem for a student about to sail for America. Several other verses have been written to the same tune and can be read here. It is often sung in the British Royal Navy and was the favorite hymn of Franklin D. Roosevelt, who at one time served as Secretary of the Navy.
Eternal Father, Strong to Save
Eternal Father, strong to save,
Whose arm hath bound the restless wave,
Who biddest the mighty ocean deep
Its own appointed limits keep;
Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee,
For those in peril on the sea!
O Christ! Whose voice the waters heard
And hushed their raging at Thy Word,
Who walked on the foaming deep,
And calm amidst its rage didst sleep;
Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee,
For those in peril on the sea!
Most Holy Spirit! Who didst brood
Upon the chaos dark and rude,
And bid its angry tumult cease,
And give, for wild confusion, peace;
Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee,
For those in peril on the sea!
O Trinity of love and power!
Our family shield in danger’s hour;
From rock and tempest, fire and foe,
Protect us wheresoever we go;
Thus evermore shall rise to Thee
Glad hymns of praise from land and sea.
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