The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #105855   Message #2182161
Posted By: GUEST,TJ in San Diego
29-Oct-07 - 05:05 PM
Thread Name: Religious Songs That Speak To You
Subject: RE: Religious Songs That Speak To You
Eternal Father, Strong to save,
Whose arm hath bound the restless wave,
Who bid'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.

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;
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 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.

"Eternal Father," also known as the Navy Hymn in the U.S. I am related to three generations of Naval officers, many now gone. No matter how many times I hear the first verse, especially when sung by a choir or played by a Navy band with great reverence, I get a lump in my throat. Above is one of several slight variants I have seen.