📢 New Windows desktop version 2.4 is released with full-length organ audio accompaniment for all 1200 hymns!
HYMN #0986 SSS #986 • SS&S Meter: P.M. Sacred Songs & Solos (1,200)

SS&S Hymn #986: Out on the ocean all

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

1
Out on the ocean all boundless we ride,
We’re homeward bound;
Tossed on the waves of a rough, restless tide,
We’re homeward bound;
Far from the safe, quiet harbour of God!
Far from our Father’s celestial abode,
Promise of which on us each He’s bestowed,
We’re homeward bound.
2
Wildly the storm sweeps us on as it roars,
We’re homeward bound;
Look! yonder he the bright, heavenly shores,
We’re homeward bound,
Steady, O pilot, stand firm at the wheel!
Steady! we soon shall outweather the gale!
Oh, how we fly ’neath the loud creaking sail!
We’re homeward bound.
3
Into the harbour of heaven now we glide,
We’re home at last!
Softly we drift on its bright silver tide,
We’re home at last!
Glory to God! all our dangers are o’er,
Safely we stand on the radiant shore;
Glory to God! we will shout ever more,
We’re home at last!
← Prev (#985) Hymn 986 of 1,200 Next (#987) →
🔎 Browse All 1,200 SS&S Hymns
Hymnological Reference • Historical Notes

Background, Themes & Devotional Notes for "Out on the ocean all"

Collection: Sacred Songs & Solos

📜 Historical Background & Origin

This hymn is cataloged as Hymn #986 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 3 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: P.M.
  • Stanza Structure: 3 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.
WINDOWS DESKTOP EDITION 100% Offline Worship

Take All 1,838 Hymns With Cathedral Organ Tunes Everywhere

Download the free offline Windows app with full 4-part harmony pipe organ accompaniments for both Sacred Songs & Solos and Hymns Ancient & Modern.

⬇️ Download for Windows PC (2.9 MB) View simple 1-minute installation guide →