Thy Sea Is So Great

by Nancy Griswold

Title

Thy Sea Is So Great

Artist

Nancy Griswold

Medium

Photograph - Photograph And Quote

Description

I took this photograph while out on the ocean off the coast of southern Maine. I always find the ocean a place instilling humility and right size in thought. I think this quote is one of my all time favorites throughout the years, helping me surrender to higher powers thank myself.

It was inscribed on a small plaque given to President John F. Kennedy by Admiral Hyman Rickover, who gave the quote to all new submarine captains entering Naval service under his command.

I FOUND TWO RESOURCES for the history of this quote. Both resources could have been entwined as the HYMN written by Van Dyke (1920's) could have been inspired by the poetry of Robert Armstrong (1700's).... (poem at bottom of description here).

Hymn: O MAKER OF THE MIGHTY DEEP
Words Written by: Hen­ry J. van Dyke, 1922 (1852-1933)
Music by : Mei­ring­en Chris­tian G. Neefe, 1777 (1748-1798)

O MAKER OF THE MIGHTY DEEP

O Maker of the mighty deep
Whereon our vessels fare,
Above our life’s adventure keep
Thy faithful watch and care.


(Refrain)

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.

(Refrain)

When outward bound we boldly sail
And leave the friendly shore,
Let not our heart of courage fail
Until the voyage is o’er.


(Refrain)

When homeward bound we gladly turn,
O bring us safely there,
Where harbor lights of friendship burn
And peace is in the air.


(Refrain)

Beyond the circle of the sea,
When voyaging is past,
We seek our final port in Thee;
O bring us home at last.


(Refrain)






“O God, thy sea is so great and my boat is so small” is likely improvised from an old Breton fisherman's prayer.

“Prayer of the Breton Fisherman” by Robert Armstrong (1709-1779, poet, physician)

This boat of mine, oh Lord, is how so small;
This sail, oh master, scarce your winds can hold.
Weak are my arms to trim, to tack, to haul
Before grim waves that bludgeon, then to enfold.
These eyes of mine, oh Lord, cannot discern
Cliff, dune or harbour over high flung seas;
The angered skies deny my sure return
To cottage waiting by the sea-girt leas.
Your mercy, Lord, is kind and how so great,
To my inconsequence made manifest;
So for your servant may your winds abate;
Send home his boat to safe and certain rest.
As small my soul before the raging tide;
Your mercy, as your ocean, Lord, is wide.

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June 30th, 2021

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