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.
--Rev. Wm Whiting.
O Christ, the Lord of hill and plain
O'er which our traffic runs amain,
by mountain pass or valley low,
Wherever Lord thy brethren go;
Protect them by Thy guardian hand
From every peril on the land.
--Author and date Unknown
Eternal Father, Lord of hosts,
Watch o'er the men who guard our coasts.
Protect them from the raging seas
And give them light and life and peace.
Grant them from thy great throne above
The shield and shelter of thy love.
-- Author and date unknown
God, who dost still the restless foam,Protect the ones we love at home.
Provide that they should always be
By thine own grace both safe and free.
O Father, hear us when we pray
For those we love so far away.
-- Hugh Taylor, date unknown
"Eternal Father, Strong to Save": The Navy Hymn
The song known to United States Navy men and women as the "Navy Hymn," is a musical benediction that long has had a special appeal to seafaring men, particularly in the American Navy and the Royal Navies of the British Commonwealth.
The original words were written as a hymn by a schoolmaster and clergyman of the Church of England, the Rev. William Whiting. Reverand Whiting (1825-1878) resided on the English coast near the sea and had once survived a furious storm in the Mediterranean. His experiences inspired him to pen the ode, "Eternal Father, Strong to Save." Over the years, people have written verses for each branch of the service and for the folks at home. The tune is familiar to some and was played as President John F. Kennedy's body was carried up the steps of the capitol to lie in state.
For today, I would like to dedicate these words and my prayers to those folks in New Orleans and the Gulf Coast. Becky's best friend, Janet, is in New Orleans. I am thinking of her and I pray that she and all those in Katrina's path are kept safe from harm;
and when the sun rises over the Mississipi when it is all over, that they have the strength and courage they need to overcome whatever they might face. I know you join me in these thoughts this morning. Please add a comment if you have friends or loved ones in the path of the hurricane so that we can also think of them. Or just add a comment to share your thoughts as we all hold our collective breath while Katrina rages. Have a good day and let's be thankful that we are safe. Love,
Suz
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