Scripture Verse

The Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. Genesis 1:2

Introduction

Words: Tho­mas B. Pol­lock, in Hymns An­cient and Mo­dern, 1889.

Music: Li­ta­ny for Those at Sea, Part 1 Charles E. Ste­phens (1821–1891) (🔊 pdf nwc).

If you know where to get a good pho­to of Ste­phens (head & shoul­ders, at least 200×300 pix­els), or a bet­ter one of Pol­lock,

portrait
Thomas B. Pollock (1836–1896)

Lyrics

Father, whose creating hand
Made the ocean and the land;
All Thy creatures are Thy care,
Thou art present ev­ery­where.
Hear us, we beseech Thee.

Christ, who didst of old appear
On the waters, drawing near;
Thou art able still to save,
Calmly ruling wind and wave.
Hear us, we beseech Thee.

Holy Ghost, whose presence shed
Life where all was dark and dead,
By Thy breath we move and live,
Thou dost light and order give.
Hear us, we beseech Thee.

God, to whom our life we owe,
God, whose blood for man did flow,
God, who dost within us dwell,
Keep us Thine, and all is well.
Hear us, we beseech Thee.

When the deep in slumber lies
Under bright and peaceful skies,
When the winds in fury rave,
Lifting high the rushing wave,
Hear us, we beseech Thee.

All our honest labor bless,
Give each lawful aim success;
In our time of need draw nigh,
Saying, Fear not, it is I.
Hear us, we beseech Thee.

Guard the loves ones left behind,
Give them peace in heart and mind;
Keep us all in union sweet,
At our Fa­ther’s mercy seat.
Hear us, we beseech Thee.