O God, Our Help In Ages Past , ELW 632 & LBW 320
1 O God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Our shelter from the stormy blast,
And out eternal home:
2 Under the shadow of your throne
Your saints have dwelt secure;
Sufficient is your arm alone,
And our defense is sure.
3 Before the hills in order stood
Or earth received its frame,
From everlasting you are God,
To endless years the same.
4 A thousand ages in your 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,
Soon bears us all away;
We fly forgotten, as a dream
Dies at the op'ning day.
6 O God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Still be our guard while troubles last
And our eternal home!
Devotion
Think about the place where you grew up. Imagine standing outside and looking at it. What does it look like? Are there trees around it? Is the yard big or small? As you imagine yourself going in that home, what feelings do you have?
Think about the faces of the people in your life: your family, your friends, your co-workers. Focus in on one of those faces, a person whom you thank God that you met. Who comes to the forefront of your mind? Do you remember where you met this person? Was the day cool or warm? What was one of your favorite times together?
Think about the ways you have seen God at work in your life. How could you sense God’s presence throughout your travels, your interactions, your decisions? In what ways has God been your help in ages past and remains your hope in years to come?
Prayer
O God, you give us memories that help weave the past into the present. Remind us that you have been and always will be with us. Amen.