Page:Book of common prayer (TEC, 1979).pdf/718

 Before the mountains were brought forth, or the land and the earth were born, * from age to age you are God.

You turn us back to the dust and say, * “Go back, O child of earth.”

For a thousand years in your sight are like yesterday when it is past * and like a watch in the night.

You sweep us away like a dream; * we fade away suddenly like the grass.

In the morning it is green and flourishes; * in the evening it is dried up and withered.

For we consume away in your displeasure; * we are afraid because of your wrathful indignation.

Our iniquities you have set before you, * and our secret sins in the light of your countenance.

When you are angry, all our days are gone; * we bring our years to an end like a sigh.

The span of our life is seventy years, perhaps in strength even eighty; * yet the sum of them is but labor and sorrow, for they pass away quickly and we are gone.

Who regards the power of your wrath? * who rightly fears your indignation?

So teach us to number our days * that we may apply our hearts to wisdom.

Return, O ; how long will you tarry? * be gracious to your servants.