O God who names the starry host

and by whose love not one is lost,

who stretched thy arms wide to the sky

from cross to heav'n so death would die

Oh care for those who traversed space,

Embrace them now who touch thy face.



Text of the verse written by Rev. Vincent Uher, retired priest of the Episcopal Church, in memory of the astronauts who died in the loss of Columbia. Additional to The Navy Hymn, Eternal Father, Strong To Save.



There is extended coverage of the astronauts and their faith, with links to the services at their home churches and the meditations of their pastors, here: Seven Heroes, Seven Faiths. Many thanks to Orrin Judd for the link.