# Now I know there are Heinlein fans out there ... **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [February 4, 2003, 3:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-i-know-there-are-heinlein-fans-out-there/152697 "2003-02-04T15:38:48Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 8\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Sparrow](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9f8e36/32.png) [@Sparrow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sparrow)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2003, 3:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-i-know-there-are-heinlein-fans-out-there/152697/1 "2003-02-04T15:38:48Z")
Since the events of last Saturday I’ve been trying to find the Heinlein short story (an early one I think) where he quoted the hymn “For those in peril on the Sea” with an additional verse he had composed for those who venture into space. Can anyone help? ---
**Author:** ![welby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/d78d45/32.png) [@welby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/welby)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2003, 3:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-i-know-there-are-heinlein-fans-out-there/152697/2 "2003-02-04T15:47:53Z")
Ordeal in Space. > [@](#): > > Hear us when we pray to Thee > For those in peril on the sea. > > ‘Almighty Ruler of them all > Whose power extends to great and small, > Who guides the stars and steadfast law, > Whose least creation fills with awe; > Oh, grant Thy mercy and Thy grace > To those who venture into space.’ You’re welcome. I’ll send along a bill. ---
**Author:** ![Ethilrist](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ethilrist/32/4604_2.png) [@Ethilrist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ethilrist)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2003, 3:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-i-know-there-are-heinlein-fans-out-there/152697/3 "2003-02-04T15:51:21Z")
I think it’s “Ordeal in Space” Eternal Father, Strong To Save, Whose Arm Hath Bound The Restless Wave. Who Bidd’st The Mighty Ocean Deep It’s Own Appointed Limits Keep. O Hear Us When We Cry To Thee For Those In Peril On The Sea! Lord Guard And Guide The Men Who Fly Through The Great Spaces In The Sky. Be With Them Always In The Air, In Darkening Storms Or Sunlight Fair. Oh, Hear Us When We Lift Our Prayer For Those In Peril In The Air! ---
**Author:** ![Ethilrist](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ethilrist/32/4604_2.png) [@Ethilrist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ethilrist)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2003, 3:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-i-know-there-are-heinlein-fans-out-there/152697/4 "2003-02-04T15:53:21Z")
blast. ---
**Author:** ![welby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/d78d45/32.png) [@welby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/welby)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2003, 3:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-i-know-there-are-heinlein-fans-out-there/152697/5 "2003-02-04T15:57:22Z")
S’okay **Ethilrist** , just one of my favorite Heinlein stories. I didn’t even have to think about it. ---
**Author:** ![Sparrow](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9f8e36/32.png) [@Sparrow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sparrow)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2003, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-i-know-there-are-heinlein-fans-out-there/152697/6 "2003-02-04T16:28:31Z")
Thanks, everyone. ---
**Author:** ![Polycarp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/82dd89/32.png) [@Polycarp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Polycarp)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2003, 6:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-i-know-there-are-heinlein-fans-out-there/152697/7 "2003-02-04T18:20:15Z")
It’s referred to as “the Navy Hymn” – Heinlein, as a lifelong Naval reservist and a graduate of USNA, had a special place in his heart for it. Although people have quoted much of the text, permit me to insert [this link](http://www.oremus.org/hymnal/e/e006.html) to the full text and music; the tune, Melita, is haunting (and was also used for [Kipling’s Recessional](http://www.web-books.com/Classics/Poetry/Anthology/Kipling/Recessional.htm)). ---
**Author:** ![NoCoolUserName](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/5fc32e/32.png) [@NoCoolUserName](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NoCoolUserName)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2003, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-i-know-there-are-heinlein-fans-out-there/152697/8 "2003-02-08T21:31:44Z")
And just for fun, from “Tango Charlie and Foxtrot Romeo” (Varley): Lord guard and guide all those who fly Throught Thy great void above the sky. Be with the all on ev’ry flight, In radiant day or darkest night. Oh, hear our prayer, extend Thy grace To those in peril deep in space. Sung by Charlie for the dead puppy as she sends him out the airlock.