The words of this great hymn were written in 1860 by William Whiting of Winchester, England, for a student friend who was sailing to the United States. It is based on various Scriptures including Psalm 104:5-9.
The majestic and stately hymn tune was written by the minister John Bacchus Dykes, and named "Melita" (Malta) after the island where St Paul was shipwrecked in the New Testament. John Dykes also gave us other fine hymn tunes such as, "Holy, Holy, Holy," "Nearer My God, to Thee," "Jesus, Lover of My Soul," and "Lead, Kindly Light."
This hymn is also known as "The Navy Hymn," because of it's sea-related text and the fact that it is used regularly at the US Naval Academy. It is also sung on British ships. Verses have been added in recent years relating to airmen and submariners.
Though it has a sea-related text and most of us are not seamen, it can easily be thought of as a metaphor for life: "Oh hear us when we cry to Thee for those in peril on the sea of life!" All of us....when we ponder the heavens and the wondrous works on every hand, what better hymn is there that captures the eternality of God like this one? A moment ago when I played the Naval Cadet Glee Club's rendition, I had goose bumps all over.
"Eternal Father" was the favorite hymn of FDR and used at his funeral. It was used at the JFK funeral. It was the favorite of Teddy Roosevelt. It was used at the Houston service a few years ago for the astronauts.
The writer knows of no finer, more moving, and inspiring hymn than this. Much is owed to the marvelous tune. Out of many years of studying and directing hymns, it is MY FAVORITE.
The first two stanzas are quoted here:
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 walked'st on the foaming deep, And calm amidst it's rage did sleep; O hear us when we cry to Thee For those in peril on the sea.
(Suggest-- Go to "Navy Hymn" on your computer and select 2 minute rendition by the US Naval Academy Choir. Other box choices will appear. Writer's note: If you've never heard this hymn, you owe it to yourself to listen to it.) Here is a link:
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