A prayer by Moses, the godly man

Life is Short

1Lord, you’ve been our refugea

from generation to generation.

2Before the mountains were formed

or the earth and the world were brought forth,

you are God from eternity to eternity.

3You return people to dust

merely byb saying, “Return, you mortals!”

4One thousand years in your sight are but a single day

that passes by, just like a night watch.

5You will sweep them away while they are asleep—

by morning they are like growing grass.

6In the morning it blossoms and is renewed,

but toward evening, it fades and withers.

7Indeed, we are consumedc by your anger

and terrified by your wrath.

8You have set our iniquities before you,

what we have concealed in the light of your presence.

9All our days passd away in your wrath;

our years fade awaye and end like a sigh.

10We live for 70 years,

or 80 years if we’re healthy,f

yet even in the prime yearsg there are troubles and sorrow.

They pass by quickly and we fly away.

11Who can know the intensity of your anger?

Because our fear of you matches your wrath,

12teach us to keep account of our days

so we may develop inner wisdom.

13Please return, LORD! When will it be?

Comfort your servants.

14Satisfy us in the morning with your gracious love

so we may sing for joy

and rejoice every day.

15Cause us to rejoice throughout the time when you have afflicted us,

the years when we have knownh trouble.

16May your awesome deeds be revealed to your servants,

as well as your splendor to their children.

17May your favor be on us, Lord our God;

make our endeavors successful;

yes, make our endeavors secure!