Edward Hopper (1816-1888) was an American Pastor who spent most of his ministry at the Church of the Sea and Land in New York City where he became well known for his ministry to sailors.
In the last week I have chatted to a number of Lowestoft men who worked at sea – in the Royal Navy, Merchant Navy, sailors in the fishing industry, workers on oil rigs. They all have stories to tell…
With his knowledge of the spiritual needs of sea-faring men, Hopper wrote this hymn in 1871.
Jesus, Savior, pilot me,
Over life’s tempestuous sea;
Unknown waves before me roll,
Hiding rock and treach’rous shoal;
Chart and compass came from Thee:
Jesus, Savior, pilot me.
It’s a prayer asking for Jesus to pilot me through the seas of life, navigating my course where there are no familiar landmarks, aware of unseen dangers, not taking away the storm, but steering me through it.
As a mother stills her child,
Thou canst hush the ocean wild;
Boist’rous waves obey Thy will
When Thou say’st to them, “Be still!”
Wondrous Sov’reign of the sea,
Jesus, Savior, pilot me.
Young Claire Crosby sings about the peace and comfort a mother can bring to a child; Hopper uses this image alongside the well-known story of Jesus calming the storm. Jesus is the caring, loving mother, the wind and wave controlling God, the experienced and skilful pilot
When at last I near the shore,
And the fearful breakers roar
’Twixt me and the peaceful rest,
Then, while leaning on Thy breast,
May I hear Thee say to me,
“Fear not, I will pilot thee.”
The third verse is about the end of the voyage. Somehow it seems more personal. I reflect further on the Jesus who can bring loving peace, powerful control and wise guidance. He reassures me, ‘Fear not, I will pilot thee,’ …as we used to sing as children, ‘Until at last we reach the heavenly harbour.’
malcolmsmusings.org 
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div dir=”ltr”>Thanks for this, Malcolm. I remember seeing this dad & daughter when she was about 4 years old singing ‘You gotta a friend
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I remember that too, Lynn. They’ve continued to sing together over the years – occasionally with the rest of the family
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Beautiful wisdom for charting life’s stormy seas. Thank you, Malcolm!
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It’s an American hymn that is not so well known this side of the Atlantic, Wynne – but you’re right, it does contain a lot of wisdom.
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Claire and David performed “Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me” wonderfully. This is a beautiful hymn with lyrics that surely inspired sailors and cheered them on. 🙂
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It’s helped me too, Nancy😊
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Years ago while serving at sea (MN ) I wrote a poem I called The Final Harbour – similar sentiments to this hymn, so I really appreciated this post. Thank you.
I guess everyone who has been to sea has stories to tell. My best and clearest memories are from my time as second mate on watch at sea – from 02:00 to 02:30. This was the time that my AB went down below for his smoko, leaving me alone on the bridge – except for the presence of God – overwhelming especially on a clear night when the sky was incredible to observe. How anyone can look at the sky at night and not believe in our Creator God is beyond me.
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I have a friend who came to faith after his sailing days, who tells similar stories, of an awareness of God in his god-less days
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