319

God, My Help and Hiding Place

Scripture References

Further Reflections on Scripture References

God as our refuge and fortress is found in many Psalms such as 11, 18, 46, 61, 62, and 91.

Reference to our aging is found in Psalm 71, 90:1-12, and 92:14-15.

319

God, My Help and Hiding Place

Introductory/Framing Text

Ruth Duck (b. 1947), is a professor of worship emerita at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois. Her powerful texts have emerged as the major part of the cutting edge of language that speaks of God in universal terms and in poetry that is as poignant as it is stoic. GIA has published fifty-eight of her texts in the collection Dancing in the Universe (G-3833). Seven of them are also set in octavo form. 

Before coming to Garrett in 1989, she served as pastor at United Church of Christ parishes in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Massachusetts. Her undergraduate work was done at Southwestern-at-Memphis University, which is now called Rhodes College. 

She holds two masters degrees—one from Chicago Theological Seminary and one from the University of Notre Dame. Her doctorate in theology was earned at Boston University. Her academic credentials are weighty ones and balance beautifully with her pastoral experience dealing with the everyday tasks as the spiritual leader of a parish community.
— GIA Publications, Inc. (http://www.giamusic.com)

Additional Prayers

Faithful God, you walk with us throughout life’s journey.
As our strength diminishes, may our faith increase.
As our eyes grow dim, let the light of Christ shine more brightly before us.
Help us live to the end of our years in joy, knowing that you lead us into eternal life. Amen.
— Psalms for All Seasons (http://www.psalmsforallseasons.org)
319

God, My Help and Hiding Place

Tune Information

Name
TOKYO
Key
B♭ Major
Meter
7.5.7.5 D

Recordings

319

God, My Help and Hiding Place

Author Information

Ruth Duck (b. 1947), is a professor of worship emerita at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois. Her powerful texts have emerged as the major part of the cutting edge of language that speaks of God in universal terms and in poetry that is as poignant as it is stoic. GIA has published fifty-eight of her texts in the collection Dancing in the Universe (G-3833). Seven of them are also set in octavo form. 

Before coming to Garrett in 1989, she served as pastor at United Church of Christ parishes in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Massachusetts. Her undergraduate work was done at Southwestern-at-Memphis University, which is now called Rhodes College. 

She holds two masters degrees—one from Chicago Theological Seminary and one from the University of Notre Dame. Her doctorate in theology was earned at Boston University. Her academic credentials are weighty ones and balance beautifully with her pastoral experience dealing with the everyday tasks as the spiritual leader of a parish community.
— GIA Publications, Inc. (http://www.giamusic.com)

Composer Information

Isao Koizumi (b. 1907; d. 1992) graduated from the Osaka University of Commerce in 1932. For the next ten years he taught at that school, was an organist in Tokyo, and then went on to work in the import-export business. He has served as the conductor of the Tokyo Choral Society and edited various hymnals, including The Hymnal 1954 for the United Church of Christ in Japan, The Sunday School Hymnal (1954), andHymns of Praise (1967 edition). A writer and translator of books and articles on church music, Koizumi has also composed and arranged hymn tunes. He is considered a leading figure in modern Japanese hymnody.
— Bert Polman

You can view this hymn by purchasing it in our Lift Up Your Hearts mobile app.

Download on the App Store
Get it on Google Play

Due to copyright restrictions, we cannot display this hymn on our website or provide printable copies of it.

Suggestions or corrections? Contact us