HYMN #1062 SSS #1062 • SS&S Sacred Songs & Solos (1,200)

SS&S Hymn #1062: Great Ruler of the land and sea

Complete lyrics, stanzas, and pipe organ accompaniment • Sacred Songs & Solos

Great Ruler of the land and sea,
Almighty God, we come to Thee;
Able to succour and to save
From perils of the wind and wave.
Keep by Thy mighty hand, oh keep
The dwellers on the homeless deep!

Speak to the shadows of the night,
And turn their darkness into light;
Smooth down the breakers* rising crest,
Say to the billow, "Be at rest!"
Keep by Thy mighty hand, oh keep
The dwellers on the homeless deep!

Soothe the rough ocean’s troubled face,
And bid the hurricane give place
To the soft breeze that wafts the bark
Safely alike through light and dark.
Keep by Thy mighty hand, oh keep
The dwellers on the homeless deep!

In storm or battle, with Thine arm
Shield Thou the mariner from harm—
From foes without, from ills within,
From deeds, and words, and thoughts, of sin.
Keep by Thy mighty hand, oh keep
The dwellers on the homeless deep!

O Son of God, in days of ill,
Say to each sorrow, "Peace! be still!"
In hours of weakness be Thou nigh,
Heal Thou the sickness, hear the cry.
Keep by Thy mighty hand, oh keep
The dwellers on the homeless deep!

When hidden is each guiding-star,
Flash out the beacon’s light afar;
From mist and rock, and shoal and spray,
Protect the sailor on his way.
Keep by Thy mighty hand, oh keep
The dwellers on the homeless deep!

Defend from the quick lightning’s stroke,
And from the iceberg’s crushing shock;
Take Thou the helm, and surely guide
The wanderer o’er the wayward tide.
Keep by Thy mighty hand, oh keep
The dwellers on the homeless deep!

Good Pilot of the awful main,
Let us not plead Thy love in vain;
Jesus, draw near with kindly aid,
Say, "It is I; be not afraid!"
Keep by Thy mighty hand, oh keep
The dwellers on the homeless deep!

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Hymnological Reference • Historical Notes

Background, Themes & Devotional Notes for "Great Ruler of the land and sea"

Collection: Sacred Songs & Solos

📜 Historical Background & Origin

This hymn is cataloged as Hymn #1062 in Sacred Songs & Solos (1,200 Hymns), compiled by the American gospel singer and hymnologist Ira David Sankey (1840–1908).

Sankey popularized these sacred songs during the transatlantic evangelistic campaigns led alongside Dwight L. Moody between 1873 and 1903. The compilation became one of the most widely printed hymnals in Christendom, cherished by Methodist, Baptist, Anglican, Presbyterian, and Pentecostal congregations throughout the world.

🕊️ Devotional Themes & Reflection

Composed of 8 stanzas, the text centers on foundational biblical themes: adoration and praise to God, humble reliance upon divine grace, steadfast faith amid trials, and the everlasting hope of salvation in Jesus Christ.

Whether sung during Sunday corporate worship or read during family devotions and personal prayer, these stanzas guide the believer to reflect on God's unending mercies and steadfast faithfulness across every season of life.

🎼 Musical Structure & Liturgy

Poetic Meter: Standard Metrical Hymnody
Stanza Structure: 8 Verses with cathedral pipe organ accompaniment
Liturgical Placement: Suitable as an Opening Hymn of Praise, Call to Worship, Offertory, or Closing Doxology
Pipe Organ Audio: Multi-verse accompaniment synthesized to support organists, choir rehearsals, and home worship

⚖️ Public Domain Archival: This historic hymn text and tune are in the worldwide public domain and may be freely printed in church bulletins or projected for public worship.

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