“Eternal Father, Strong to Save,” ELW 756
1 Eternal Father, strong to save
whose arm has bound the restless wave,
who bade the mighty ocean deep
its own appointed limits keep:
oh, hear us when we cry to thee
for those in peril on the sea.
2 O Savior, whose almighty word
the winds and waves submissive heard,
who walked upon the foaming deep,
and calm amid the storm didst sleep:
oh, hear us when we cry to thee
for those in peril on the sea.
3 O 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.
4 O Trinity of love and pow’r,
all trav’lers guard in danger’s hour
from rock and tempest, fire and foe,
protect them whereso e’er they go;
thus evermore shall rise to thee
glad hymns of praise from land and sea.
Devotion
In "Eternal Father, Strong to Save," Whiting and Dykes musically convey this week's Scripture texts about frightening, tempestuous, chaotic seas and God's comforting presence, power and protection. Commonly known as the "Navy Hymn," countless musical groups will likely perform it during upcoming U.S. Independence Day concerts. This hymn fittingly implores God to protect sailors. It also can help us reflect on life's seas that we each sail.
As you read these verses, consider God's awesome creation and the protective limits God placed on nature. Think about what "perils," "wild confusion," and "tempests" you face in your life. Read the final phrase in verses 1-3 as, "oh, hear us when we cry to thee for our own peril on life's sea." Does such a reading give you a new perspective on this familiar hymn and your own need for God's protection? Do you gladly offer praise evermore for God's steadfast love?
Prayer
Eternal God, we thank and praise you for your strength to save us. As life's perils buffet us, remind us to cry to you and trust in your steadfast love. In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Amen.