Clerestory Notes

Commentary -

“Be to me a rock of refuge, a strong fortress, to save me; for You are my rock and my fortress.”  – Psalm 71:3

This simple and familiar hymn from the early nineteenth century, with words penned by a rural English clergyman, is both a prayer of confession and a profession of hope and faith in Christ’s redemptive work of salvation. In its lyrics are references to the many Psalm texts that speak of the Lord as our rock, fortress and deliverer; to the Lord placing Moses safely in the cleft of a rock as His glory passed by (Exodus 33:22); to God’s provision of water from the rock after bringing His people out of Egypt (Exodus 17); and to Christ’s sacrifice and ultimate victory (John 19:34). This setting uses only the first verse as a sung prayer of confession, sung twice, with the harmonies more intricate as it is repeated. As you sing it, contemplate the many and gracious ways God has always dealt, and still deals powerfully, with His people in the unfolding of His story.

Liturgical Uses:
Confession; and in a set of songs focused on forgiveness, or Christ as the Rock of our salvation (such as The Solid Rock).

Key: A

Rock of Ages is available as a lead sheet, and with piano accompaniment on request.