Eternal Father, Strong To Save

By William Whiting

Lyrics

1. Eternal Father, strong to save,
Whose arm does bind the restless wave,
Who bids 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 Savior, whose almighty word
The winds and waves submissive heard,
Who walked upon the foaming deep,
And calm amid the rage did sleep;
O hear us when we cry to Thee
For those in peril on the sea.

3. O Holy Spirit, who did brood
Upon the waters dark and rude,
And bid their 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 pow'r,
Your children shield in danger's hour;
From rock and tempest, fire, and foe,
Protect them where-so-e'er they go;
Thus, evermore shall rise to Thee
Glad hymns of praise from land and sea.

Bible Reference

Psalm 107:23–32; Matthew 8:23–27; Matthew 14:22–33; Mark 4:35–41; Mark 6:47–52; Luke 8:22–25; John 6:16–21

About This Hymn

"Eternal Father, Strong to Save" is a hymn composed by William Whiting in 1860. Whiting, an English churchman and headmaster of the Winchester College Choristers' School, wrote the hymn to comfort a student who was apprehensive about an upcoming sea voyage. The hymn emphasizes God's sovereignty over the sea and His protection for those who venture upon it.

The hymn is set to the tune "Melita," composed by John Bacchus Dykes in 1861. Dykes, an Anglican clergyman and prolific hymn composer, named the tune after "Melita," the ancient name for the island of Malta, where the Apostle Paul was shipwrecked as described in Acts 27.

"Eternal Father, Strong to Save" has been included in various hymnals, reflecting its enduring popularity. It continues to be sung in Christian worship settings, particularly those focused on maritime themes and the protection of seafarers.