A Prayer by Moses, the man of God.
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1
Lord, you have been our dwelling place for all generations.
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2Before the mountains were brought forth,
- before you had formed the earth and the world,
- even from everlasting to everlasting, you are God.
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3You turn man to destruction, saying,
- “Return, you children of men.”
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4For a thousand years in your sight are just like yesterday when it is past,
- like a watch in the night.
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5You sweep them away as they sleep.
- In the morning they sprout like new grass.
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6In the morning it sprouts and springs up.
- By evening, it is withered and dry.
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7For we are consumed in your anger.
- We are troubled in your wrath.
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8You have set our iniquities before you,
- our secret sins in the light of your presence.
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9For all our days have passed away in your wrath.
- We bring our years to an end as a sigh.
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10The days of our years are seventy,
- or even by reason of strength eighty years;
- yet their pride is but labor and sorrow,
- for it passes quickly, and we fly away.
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11Who knows the power of your anger,
- your wrath according to the fear that is due to you?
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12So teach us to number our days,
- that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
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13Relent, Yahweh!
- How long?
- Have compassion on your servants!
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14Satisfy us in the morning with your loving kindness,
- that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.
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15Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us,
- for as many years as we have seen evil.
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16Let your work appear to your servants;
- your glory to their children.
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17Let the favor of the Lord our God be on us;
- establish the work of our hands for us;
- yes, establish the work of our hands.