8652. 'Because the God of my father was my help' means the Lord's mercy and presence in the Church. This is clear from the meaning of 'father' as the Church in respect of good, 5581, and as the Ancient Church, 6050, 6075, 6846, 'the God of my father' being the God of the Ancient Church, who was the Lord, 6846, 6876, 6884; and from the meaning of 'help', when it has reference to the Lord, as mercy, since help that comes from Him is due to His mercy and also to His presence. For where mercy is received, there He is present. His presence is primarily in the Church, because that is where the Word is and the Lord's presence comes through the Word.