ETERNAL FATHER - The Naval Hymn

This beautiful hymn is well-known to those who live on or by the sea; and particularly those who serve on ships or lifeboats. A tribute to those who served and died at sea, including Emmanuel Leonard, my late great-uncle from Plymouth, Devon, and of the Royal Navy. NOTE: I apologise for the typo concerning the composer of this hymn. It’s John Bacchus Dykes (not Sykes). These are the original lyrics: Eternal Father, strong to save, Whose arm hath bound the restless wave, Who bidd’st the mighty ocean deep Its own appointed limits keep; Oh, 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 walkedst 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’s 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.