Eternal Father, Strong to Save

William Whiting

As I type this, the storm in front of Hurricane Fiona is pounding Cape Breton, where we are all poised for the onslaught to come. In the Canadian Maritimes, most folks have learned to respect the sea and the forces of nature. We do not know if we will have power much longer, or if it will be restored soon or late. So please accept this brief introduction to the hymn of the week, “Eternal Father, Strong to Save,” which we offer now as a prayer for everyone everywhere in the path of a storm.

Eternal Father, strong to save,
whose arm doth bind 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.

O Saviour whose almighty word
the winds and waves submissive heard,
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.

O sacred Spirit, who didst brood
upon the chaos dark and rude,
who bad'st its angry tumult cease…