I didn't want to start a new thread so ask here, does anyone use 'Eternal Father, strong to save' on Trinity Sunday? Definitely a Trinity hymn, but it seems it is usually only used as the sailors' hymn.
Is there a difference between a Trinitarian hymn and one suitable for the feast of the Trinity? Am just listening to Noye's Fludde by Britten and am just up to the wonderful setting of Eternal Father – it's definitely about people in a pickle on the waters. It's one of those hymns which (sadly) is disappearing through lack of use. Of course, many of our hymns (including the Gloria) are Trinitarian or, at least, end with a doxology.
Songs for this weekend's celebration, IMHO, are those which ponder the magnificent oneness of God, items like Farrell's God Beyond All Names and the simpler, but equally moving Be still, for the presence of the Lord (to which we will be adding gooey harmonies).
VML wrote:I didn't want to start a new thread so ask here, does anyone use 'Eternal Father, strong to save' on Trinity Sunday? Definitely a Trinity hymn, but it seems it is usually only used as the sailors' hymn.
I love this hymn too, but have never thought of it in the context of Trinity Sunday. I think "The God of Abraham Praise" and "I bind unto myself today" would work beautifully. Oh and "How shall I sing that majesty".
Eternal Father, strong to save is being used as the recessional hymn of the episcopal ordination of the new Bishop of Oakland tomorrow. (He served as a naval chaplain at one period in his life.) That hymn is in every American hymnal, and everyone knows it.
In the UK I find it mostly being used at funerals.
If you're looking for a different style of Trinitarian hymn for Trinity Sunday, Sing of the Lord's goodness is one that people sometimes overlook.
