Hymns of Glory, Songs of Praise ‎#161

161. 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 Under the shadow of thy throne,
thy saints have dwelt secure;
sufficient is thine arm alone,
and our defence is sure.

3 Before the hills in order stood,
or earth received her frame,
from everlasting thou art God,
to endless years the same.

4 A thousand ages in thy sight
are like an evening gone;
short as the watch that ends the night
before the rising sun.

5 Time, like an ever-rolling stream,
bears all our years away;
they fly forgotten, as a dream
dies at the opening day.

6 O God, our help in ages past,
our hope for years to come,
be thou our guard while troubles last,
and our eternal home.

Text Information

• First Line: O God, our help in ages past
• Author: Isaac Watts (1674-1748)
• Meter: CM
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2008
• Scripture:
  Psalm 90:1-5
• Topic: The Activity of God: God in human experience; The Church Celebrates: National Life; Anniversaries; Death and Bereavement; Nation and Society; New Year

Tune Information

• Name: ST ANNE
• Composer (attributed to): William Croft (1678-1727)
• Meter: CM
• Key: C Major
• Source: Variant of a melody from A Supplement to the New Version, 1708