I watched today as Justice Antonin Scalia's coffin was slowly rolled up the aisle of the magnificent cathedral in Washington, DC. The choir and congregation sang a beautiful hymn that cuts across denominational lines: Isaac Watts' stirring words that were used in the national service of remembrance after the 9/11 attacks, O God Our Help In Ages Past.
I love this hymn and often sing the words to myself when I need to be reminded of the source of all help.
O God, our help in ages past, Our hope for years to come,
Our shelter from the stormy blast, And our eternal home!
Under the shadow of Thy throne Still may we dwell secure;
Sufficient is Thine arm alone, And our defense is sure.
A thousand ages in Thy sight, Are like an evening gone;
Short as the watch that ends the night, Before the rising sun.
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! Amen.
And Amen.