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. 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 cry to Thee For those in peril on the sea. 4. 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.
Lyrics: William Whiting
Music:
John Bacchus Dykes
Tune: MELITA
Meter: 8.8.8.8.8.8.
William Whiting (1825–1878)
William Whiting was the master of Winchester College Chorister's School for more than 30 years. He wrote more than a dozen hymns, but this is the only one that is widely used today. Whiting reputedly wrote this hymn in 1860 for a friend who was about to sail for the United States.