BOOK FOUR

From Everlasting to Everlasting

A Prayer of Moses, the man of GOD.

1Lord, you have been our dwelling place90:1 Some Hebrew manuscripts (compare Septuagint) our refuge

in all generations.

2Before the mountains were brought forth,

or ever you had formed the earth and the world,

from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

3You return man to dust

and say, “Return, O children of man!”90:3 Or of Adam

4For a thousand years in your sight

are but as yesterday when it is past,

or as a watch in the night.

5You sweep them away as with a flood; they are like a dream,

like grass that is renewed in the morning:

6in the morning it flourishes and is renewed;

in the evening it fades and withers.

7For we are brought to an end by your anger;

by your wrath we are dismayed.

8You have set our iniquities before you,

our secret sins in the light of your presence.

9For all our days pass away under your wrath;

we bring our years to an end like a sigh.

10The years of our life are seventy,

or even by reason of strength eighty;

yet their span90:10 Or pride is but toil and trouble;

they are soon gone, and we fly away.

11Who considers the power of your anger,

and your wrath according to the fear of you?

12So teach us to number our days

that we may get a heart of wisdom.

13Return, O LORD! How long?

Have pity on your servants!

14Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love,

that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.

15Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us,

and for as many years as we have seen evil.

16Let your work be shown to your servants,

and your glorious power to their children.

17Let the favour90:17 Or beauty of the Lord our God be upon us,

and establish the work of our hands upon us;

yes, establish the work of our hands!