O God, the Rock of Ages

Verse 1

O God, the Rock of Ages, who evermore hast been, what time the tempest rages, our dwelling place serene: before thy first creations, O Lord, the same as now, to endless generations the Everlasting Thou!

Verse 2

Our years are like the shadows on sunny hills that lie, or grasses in the meadows that blossom but to die; a sleep, a dream, a story by strangers quickly told, and unremaining glory of things that soon are old.

Verse 3

O thou who canst not slumber, whose light grows never pale, teach us aright to number our years before they fail; on us thy mercy lighten, on us thy goodness rest, and let thy Spirit brighten the hearts thyself hast blessed.

Verse 4

Lord, crown our faith's endeavor with beauty and with grace, till, clothed in light forever, we see thee face to face: a joy no language measures; a fountain brimming o'er; an endless flow of pleasures; an ocean without shore.