A Hymn of the Sea

Jesus, Saviour, pilot me

Over life’s tempestuous sea;

Unknown waves before me roll,

Hiding rock and treacherous shoal;

Chart and compass came from Thee:

Jesus, Saviour, pilot me.

As a mother stills her child,

Thou canst hush the ocean wild;

Boisterous waves obey Thy will

When Thou say’st to them, “Be still!”

Wondrous Sovereign of the sea,

Jesus, Saviour, pilot me.

When at last I near the shore,

And the fearful breakers roar

’Twixt me and the peaceful rest,

Then, while leaning on Thy breast,

May I hear Thee say to me,

“Fear not, I will pilot thee.”

Edward Hopper, 1871.