Psalms for All Seasons ‎#46E

46E. God Is Our Refuge and Strength

1 God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth be moved,
and though the mountains be toppled into the depths of the sea;

2 Though its waters rage and foam,
and though the mountains tremble at its tumult.
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our stronghold.

3 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
God is in the midst of her; she shall not be overthrown;
God shall help her at the break of day.

4 The nations make much ado, and the kingdoms are shaken;
God has spoken, and the earth shall melt away.
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our stronghold.

5 Come now and look upon the works of the LORD,
what awesome things he has done on earth.
It is he who makes war to cease in all the world;
he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear,
and burns the shields with fire.

6 "Be still, then, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations;
I will be exalted in the earth."
The LORD of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our stronghold.

Text Information

• First Line: God is our refuge and strength
• Title: God Is Our Refuge and Strength
• Publication Date: 2012
• Scripture:
  Psalm 46
• Topic: Assurance; Biblical Names and Places: Jacob; Church Year: Advent; Church Year: Baptism of the Lord; Daily Prayer: Evening Prayer; Earth; Fear; Freedom from Fear; God as: Refuge; God as: Shield; God as: Creator; God's: Wonders; God's: Armor; God's: Deeds; God's: Nearness; God's: Presence; God's: Protection; God's: Strength; Hymns of Praise; Mission; Occasional Services: New Year; Peace; People of God / Church: Renewal; People of God / Church: Witnessing; Prayer; Songs of Zion; Suffering; Victory; War and Revolution; Witness; Year A, B, C, Easter, Easter vigil; Year A, Ordinary Time after Pentecost, May 29-June 4 (if after Trinity Sunday); Year C, Reign of Christ, November 20-26
• Source: The Book of Common Prayer
• ONE LICENSE: 46ACW21

Tune Information

• Name: [God is our refuge and strength]
• Composer: Martin Luther
• Key: C Major
• Notes: Those unfamiliar with four-part chant (commonly referred to as “Anglican chant”) may find this setting a good entry point for the genre, particularly if they are familiar with the Lutheran chorale EIN FESTE BURG (“A Mighty Fortress Is Our God”). The harmonic movement is intuitive. It is important when singing four-part chant that the rhythm follow the pattern of speech and that it not drag.