As most of us enjoy freedom and peace we must remember that as you read this post there are men and women putting their lives on the line so that we may have freedom.  This past weekend 38 brave warriors lost their lives as their helicopter was shot down as they returned from a rescue mission. 

When I was in the Navy, we would close our chapel service with the hymn “Eternal Father Strong to Save.”  As you read through the words of this hymn below, remember those who are currently in harm’s way and pray for those who have just lost a spouse, a son, and or a father.

Eternal Father, strong to save,
Whose arm hath bound the restless wave,
Who bid’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!

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 Christ, the Lord of hill and plain
O’er which our traffic runs amain,
by mountain pass or valley low,
Wherever Lord thy brethren go;
Protect them by Thy guardian hand
From every peril on the land.

Lord, guard and guide the men who fly
Through the great spaces in the sky.
Be with them always in the air,
In darkening storms or sunlight fair;
Oh, hear us when we lift our prayer,
For those in peril in the air!

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.

 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”  Jesus (Matthew 5:9)