The inspiration for this setting of Psalm 91 came from the lyrics of the 19th century Scottish hymn writer, James Montgomery. Although originally composed as a duet, the music has translated easily into a congregational declaration of God’s protection and deliverance. When my daughter was an infant and awake in the night, I sang this song countless times with the hopes of instilling the comfort of God’s salvation.
 
TEXT:
 
Call Jehovah your salvation,
Rest beneath th’Almighty’s shade
In his secret habitation dwell,
And never be dismayed
There no tumult shall alarm you
You shall dread no hidden snare
Guile nor violence can harm you
In eternal safeguard there
 
From the sword at noonday wasting,
From the noisome pestilence
In the depth of midnight blasting,
God shall be your sure defense
He shall charge his angel legions
Watch and ward o’er you to keep
Though you walk through hostile regions
Though in desert wilds you sleep
 
Since, with pure and firm affection
You on God have set your love
With the wings of his protection
He will shield you from above
You shall call on him in trouble,
He will hearken, he will save
Here for grief reward you double,
Crown with life beyond the grave