O God, Our Help

O God, Our Help

Text written in 1719 by Isaac Watts

Sung to ST. ANNE, composed in 1708 by William Croft

Psalm 90:1-4 Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations.

Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

You turn people back to dust, saying, “Return to dust, you mortals.”

A thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by,

or like a watch in the night.

V. 1 O God, our help in ages past,

Our hope for years to come,

Our shelter from the stormy blast,

And our eternal home!

V. 2 Under the shadow of Thy throne

Still may we dwell secure;

Sufficient is Thine arm alone,

And our defense is sure.

V. 3 Before the hills in order stood,

Or earth received her frame,

From everlasting Thou art God,

To endless years the same.

V. 4 A thousand ages, in Thy sight,

Are like an evening gone;

Short as the watch that ends the night,

Before the rising sun.

V. 5 O God, our help in ages past,

Our hope for years to come;

Be Thou our guide while life shall last,

And our eternal home!