Catholic Book of Worship III ‎#644

644. O God, Our Help in Ages Past

1 O God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Our shelter from the stormy blast,
And our eternal home.

2 Beneath the shadow of your throne
Your saints have dwelt secure;
Sufficient is your arm alone,
And our defence is sure.

3 Before the hills in order stood,
Or earth received its frame,
From everlasting you are God,
To endless years the same.

4 A thousand ages in your sight
Are like an ev'ening gone,
Short as the watch that ends the night
Before the rising sun.

5 Time, like an ever rolling stream,
Bears all our lives away;
They fly, forgotten, as a dream
Dies at the op'ning day.

6 O God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Be now our guide while life shall last,
And our eternal home.

Text Information

• First Line: O God, our help in ages past
• Title: O God, Our Help in Ages Past
• Author: Isaac Watts, 1674-1748 (alt.)
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1994
• Scripture:
  Psalm 90
• Topic: Authority of God; In Time of War/Disaster; Sacraments/Rites: Reconciliation; Sacraments/Rites: Anointing of the Sick; Order of Christian Funerals: Vigils - Hymns; Order of Christian Funerals: Funeral Liturgy

Tune Information

• Name: ST. ANNE
• Composer (attributed to): William Croft, 1678-1727
• Meter: CM
• Key: B♭ Major
• Source: Supplement to the New Version, 1708