O God, You Have Been Our Refuge

O God, You Have Been Our Refuge

In God’s time, a human lifetime is only a moment. Most of us remember some of our past, may live in the moment, but the future we do not know. This week’s Psalm 90 reminds us of the scope of the Creator – ageless. As we fret and plan and forget, God sees the big picture and the consistent march toward salvation. We are invited to wonder and share awe at the grand scope of our world. We pray that God watches over our deeds and activities of each day.

You turn mortals back to dust, and say: “Go back, peoples of the earth!” For a thousand years in your sight are like yesterday, when it is past, no more than a watch in the night.

You sweep us away like a dream, like grass which is renewed in the morning: in the morning it flowers and is renewed; in the evening it fades and withers.

Teach us to make use of our days and bring wisdom to our hearts. Relent, O God! How long? Have pity on your servants! Shine your love on us each dawn, and gladden all our days. Let your favor, O God, be upon us: give success to the work of our hands.

Bless the work of our hands.
[verses adapted from People’s Companion to the Breviary © 1997 by the Carmelites of Indianapolis]