Eternal Father Strong to Save Lyrics
William Whiting
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.
Eternal Father Strong to Save History
Eternal Father Strong to Save is a hymn that was composed by William Whiting in 1860.
It is a hymn that was widely used by those travelling on the seas. It is a favorite of Christian fishermen and sailors.
It is also known as the ‘Navy song’ having been used by United Kingdom’s Royal Navy for church services. The US Navy has also adopted it as well.
It is a hymn that celebrates God’s ability to save his people from whatever challenges they may face.
Besides being a favorite of Christian sailors, it is also loved by millions who have never sailed on the seas.
It is sung on public functions in both times of peace and war.
I was reading somewhere that Albert E Bailey who in 1950 crossed the Atlantic oceans forty-nine times testified that this hymn was sung at each of the Sunday morning services he attended while on the sea.
William Whitting was born in Kensington, London on 1st November 1825.
He composed other hymns but ‘Eternal Father Strong to Save’ is the most well-known.
He died in 1878 in Winchester United Kingdom.

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