A PRAYER OF MOSES, THE MAN OF GOD.
Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations.
Before the mountains were brought forth
or ever you had formed the earth and the world,
from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
You return man to dust and say,
“Return, O children of man!”
For a thousand years in your sight
are but as yesterday when it is past,
or as a watch in the night.
You sweep them away as with a flood;
they are like a dream,
like grass that is renewed in the morning:
in the morning it flourishes and is renewed;
in the evening it fades and withers.
For we are brought to an end by your anger;
by your wrath we are dismayed.
You have set our iniquities before you,
our secret sins in the light of your presence.
For all our days pass away under your wrath;
we bring our years to an end like a sigh.
The years of our life are seventy,
or even by reason of strength eighty;
yet their span is but toil and trouble;
they are soon gone, and we fly away.
Who considers the power of your anger,
and your wrath according to the fear of you?
So teach us to number our days
that we may get a heart of wisdom.
Return, O LORD! How long?
Have pity on your servants!
Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love,
that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.
Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us,
and for as many years as we have seen evil.
Let your work be shown to your servants,
and your glorious power to their children.
Let the favour of the Lord our God be upon us,
and establish the work of our hands upon us;
yes, establish the work of our hands!
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
You are the eternal God, unbound by time and space. You are so far above us, it is overwhelming to ponder all your attributes and the works of your hands. Our beautiful world is but the tiniest speck within the universe that you created just by speaking it into existence. A thousand years are like a day to you. We are as frail and fragile as the grass that grows, withers and dies. Not only are we mortal and finite, but we are sinners, incurring your wrath when we break your commands. We are amazed at your patience with us, and your gracious forgiveness and mercy that we do not deserve.
Send your Holy Spirit to dwell in us richly, to give us wisdom and joy all the days of our lives. Be with us as we seek to serve in your kingdom in gratitude for the gift of redeeming love granted us by your Son through his atoning sacrifice on the cross. Give us opportunities to do your work for your glory and for the building up of your church. We ask it in Jesus’ name.
AMEN.