Peter Nixon of Sursum Corda put me in mind of this hymn this morning. Yesterday, I learned that the second of my friends on active duty was heading for the Gulf. One is a helicopter pilot aboard the USS Iwo Jima (where Eric Johnson of Catholic Light's Marine brigade did its training a few months ago, and where he may wind up). The other is headed to the high tech USAF command post in Saudi Arabia. I will be frequently posting this hymn and the prayer from last week for the indefinite future.

Eternal Father, Strong to Save

Eternal Father, strong to save,
Whose arm hath bound the restless wave,
Who biddest the mighty ocean deep
Its own appointed limits keep;
Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee,
For those in peril on the sea!

O Christ! Whose voice the waters heard
And hushed their raging at Thy Word,
Who walked on the foaming deep,
And calm amidst its rage didst sleep;
Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee,
For those in peril on the sea!

Most Holy Spirit! Who didst brood
Upon the chaos dark and rude,
And bid its angry tumult cease,
And give, for wild confusion, peace;
Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee,
For those in peril on the sea!

O Trinity of love and power!
Our family shield in danger’s hour;
From rock and tempest, fire and foe,
Protect us wheresoever we go;
Thus evermore shall rise to Thee
Glad hymns of praise from land and sea.