A prayer of Moses the man of God. Lord , You have been dwelling place through all generations.
Before the mountains were born or You brought forth the earth and the world , from everlasting to everlasting You are God.
You return man to dust , saying , “ Return , O sons of mortals. ”
For in Your sight a thousand years are but a day that passes , or a watch of the night.
You whisk them away in their sleep ; they are like the new grass ... of the morning —
in the morning it springs up new , (but) by evening it fades and withers.
For we are consumed by Your anger and terrified by Your wrath.
You have set our iniquities before You , our secret (sins) in the light of Your presence.
For all our days decline in Your fury ; we finish our years with a sigh.
The length of our days ... is seventy years — or eighty - if we are strong ... — yet their pride is but labor and sorrow , for they quickly pass , and we fly away.
Who knows the power of Your anger ? Your wrath matches the fear You are due.
So teach us to number our days , that we may present a heart of wisdom.
Return , O LORD ! How long will it be ... ? Have compassion on Your servants.
Satisfy us in the morning with Your loving devotion , that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.
Make us glad for as many days as You have afflicted us , for as many years as we have seen evil.
May Your work be shown to Your servants , and Your splendor to their children.
May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us ; establish for us the work of our hands — yes, establish the work of our hands !