O God, our help in ages past: a song-full prayer

image by Sam Toft

        O God, our help in ages past,

         our hope for years to come,

         our shelter from the stormy blast,

         and our eternal home.

Let us name what we hope for…….._

        Under the shadow of thy throne,

         still may we dwell secure;

         sufficient is thine arm alone,

         and our defense is sure.

 

         Before the hills in order stood,

         or earth received her frame,

         from everlasting, thou art God,

         to endless years the same.

 
Let us name what we count on………..

       A thousand ages, in thy sight,

         are like an evening gone;

         short as the watch that ends the night,

         before the rising sun.

 

        Time, like an ever-rolling stream,

         bears all who breathe away;

         they fly forgotten, as a dream

         dies at the opening day.

Prayer:  Oh God, we remember.  Not everything, but we do remember.

              We remember others who gathered around the table with us.

                   friends who provided your shelter in life’s storms

                  and celebrated with us along life’s journey.

            We remember the beauty we have witnessed in your world.

            We remember that our short lives are cradled in your eternal life.

            Forgive us when we forget that you are the author, the reader,

                   and the end of our lives.  _

             Free us for joyful participation in life as our hope in Christ

                   leads us to you.  AMEN

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