O God, The Rock of Ages

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!

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,
An unremaining glory
   Of things that soon are old.

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!

           ~ Edward H. Bickersteth