Eternal Father, Strong to Save, also known in the United States as “The Navy Hymn” speaks of the dangers of life and how they must submit to the power and authority of God. Its serious character gives assurance in the direst time, and reminds us of our everlasting need for the protection of the Creator. Our new Level 3 arrangement is written for two octaves of handbells and two octaves of handchimes.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Purchasing the handbell choir version of this arrangement grants permission to print and maintain up to fifteen copies for your handbell ensemble; purchasing the single copy version grants permission to print and maintain one copy. Purchase also gives permission for performance, broadcasting, live-streaming and video-sharing online. See our licensing agreement for full details, and please remember to mention the title and arranger of the piece on video-sharing sites, social media and any printed materials such as concert programs.
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