The New English Hymnal ‎#417

417. 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 its sons 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: 1986
• Scripture:
  Psalm 90
• Topic: Church and People: National; New Year

Tune Information

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