Lutheran Service Book ‎#717

717. Eternal Father, Strong to Save

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.

(Sts. 2-3 copyrighted)

4 O Trinity of love and pow'r,
Our people shield in danger's hour;
From rock and tempest, fire and foe,
Protect them where-soe'er they go;
Thus evermore shall rise to Thee
Glad praise from air and land and sea.

Stanzas from the original Navy Hymn may be substituted:

*2 O Christ, whose voice the waters heard
And hushed their raging at Thy word,
Who walkedst on the foaming deep
And calm amid 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 when we cry to Thee
For those in peril on the sea.

Text Information

• First Line: Eternal Father, strong to save
• Title: Eternal Father, Strong to Save
• Author (sts. 1, *2, *3, 4): William Whiting, 1825-78 (alt.)
• Author (sts. 2, 3): Robert N. Spencer, 1877-1961 (alt.)
• Meter: 88 88 88
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2006
• Scripture:
  Genesis 1:1-10
  ;
  Psalm 3
  ;
  Matthew 8:23-27
  ;
  Matthew 14:22-33
• Topic: Nation and National Songs; Travel
• Copyright: Sts. 2-3 © The Church Pension Fund
• Notes: Stanzas *2 and *3 from the original Navy Hymn may be substituted

Tune Information

• Name: MELITA
• Composer: John B. Dykes, 1823-76
• Meter: 88 88 88
• Key: C Major