23 He took my strength away
by his almighty power;
he shortened grievously
my life’s allotted hour.
24 I said, “Lord, take me not away,
right in the middle of my days.
“Your days and years go on,
throughout all ages last;
25 when time began you made
earth to be firm and fast.
The heavens came at your command,
Created by your mighty hand.
26 “The earth and heavens will fail,
but you alone remain.
Like garments they will age,
while you on high will reign.
Like clothing you will change them all;
like rags discarded they will fall.
27 “But you endure always;
your years will never cease.
28 Your servants’ children too
will know your reign of peace.
Their offspring, their succeeding race,
will ever stand before your face.”
– Sing Psalms, alt.
Oremus 