Hymns for Sea Sunday / Seafarer Sunday (2nd Sunday in July)

A selection of hymns and songs for Sea Sunday, which is set aside by many Christian churches to remember, pray and fundraise for sailors / seafarers, their families and the chaplains, missioners and others who work with them. It is officially celebrated on the second Sunday in July, although there are some individual differences.

Most of the suggestions are free-to-use (ie public domain or copyright-free) meaning the words can be copied and sung to at least one tune with no concerns about copyright or performance licensing.  Many such hymns are old/traditional - but where possible a variety of styles / genres are included.

A small selection of hymns which are, or may be, still copyright are also included where they are a particularly good for for the theme(s).
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Possible readings for Sea Sunday services

Old Testament

Proverbs 8:22-31

New Testament

Acts 27:27-28:2
Matthew 4:18-22
Mark 6: 7 – 13

Themes

The hymn suggestions below are based on the general themes of the challenges faced by people who live and work at sea for extended periods, and their families, and the nature of the human relationship to the ocean.

Free-use hymns

All People That On Earth Do Dwell (Psalm 100)

Amazing Grace

Dear Lord and Father of Mankind

Eternal Father Strong to Save (The Navy Hymn)

Hail Queen of Heaven

He's got the Whole World in his Hand

Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me - Hopper

Lead us Heavenly Father Lead us

Let All The World In Every Corner Sing

Let the Lower Lights Be Burning - Bliss

There’s A Wideness in God’s Mercy

Thou whose Almighty Word

Vaster Far than any Ocean

Wide, Wide as the Ocean

Will Your Anchor Hold

Hymns that are or may be copyright

Here I Am Lord (I the Lord of Sea and Sky ) - Schutte

Jesus Christ is Waiting - Bell

Oh the Deep - Kendrick

Star of Sea and Ocean

Waves are Beating on the Shore

When I Needed a Neighbour - Sydney Carter

See also ...

• Church service planning template
• Music selection worksheet