Voyagers

O Maker of the Mighty Deep
 Whereon our vessels fare,
Above our life's adventure keep
 Thy faithful watch and care.
In Thee we trust, whate'er befall;
Thy sea is great, our boats are small.

We know not where the secret tides
 Will help us or delay,
Nor where the lurking tempest hides,
 Nor where the fogs are gray.
We trust in Thee, whate'er befall;
Thy sea is great, our boats are small.

When outward bound we boldly sail
 And leave the friendly shore,
Let not our hearts of courage fail
 Before the voyage is o'er.
We trust in Thee, whate'er befall;
Thy sea is great, our boats are small.

When homeward bound we gladly turn,
 O bring us safely there,
Where harbour-lights of friendship burn
 And peace is in the air.
We trust in Thee, whate'er befall;
Thy sea is great, our boats are small.

Beyond the circle of the sea,
 When voyaging is past,
We seek our final port in Thee;
 O bring us home at last.
In Thee we trust, whate'er befall;
Thy sea is great, our boats are small.

--Henry van Dyke (1852-1933)