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Prayers/Devotionals
Coast Guard Hymn
The Coast Guard hymn, “Eternal Father, Lord of Hosts,” used to conclude every chapel service at the Academy, was written in 1955 by CWO George H. Jenks, Jr., USCG; and has become the personal prayer of many a Coast Guardsman ever since. Chief Warrant Officer Jenks was serving as the bandmaster of the Coast Guard and the originator and director of cadet musical activities at the Academy at the time the hymn was written. The hymn, while used throughout the Coast Guard, was not printed in any hymnal until the publication of the Book of Worship for United States Forces in 1974. In that hymnal it is included as stanza 10 of hymn number 196, “Eternal Father, Strong to Save.”
Eternal Father, Lord of hosts,
Watch o’er all those who guard our coasts.
Protect them from the raging seas
And give them light and life and peace.
Grant them from Thy great throne above
The shield and shelter of Thy love.
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