For those in peril

Among all the hymns and anthems played and sung in the televised ceremonies for former President Gerald Ford over the past week, one may have slipped under the public’s radar of familiar music. It is the beloved “Eternal Father,” originally written as a Navy hymn and played to honor President Ford’s Naval service in WWII.

The lyrics of “Eternal Father” form a beautiful prayer.

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!

The original ‘Navy Hymn’ has three more verses. Afterward, alternate verses began to be written for those in the other services.

Oh, Watchful Father who dost keep
Eternal vigil while we sleep
Guide those who navigate on high
Who through grave unknown perils fly,
Receive our oft-repeated prayer
For those in peril in the air.

Eternal Father, grant, we pray,
To all Marines, both night and day,
The courage, honor, strength, and skill
Their land to serve, thy law fulfill;
Be thou the shield forevermore
From every peril to the Corps.

God, Who dost still the restless foam,
Protect the ones we love at home.
Provide that they should always be
By thine own grace both safe and free.
O Father, hear us when we pray
For those we love so far away.

Lord, guard and guide the men who fly
And those who on the ocean ply;
Be with our troops upon the land,
And all who for their country stand:
Be with these guardians day and night
And may their trust be in thy might.

God bless them, every one.