Psalm 90: 12-17 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 90: 12-17 on biblegateway.com
Verse 12So teach us to count our days that we may gain a wise heart.
Verse 13Turn, O Lord! How long? Have compassion on your servants!
Verse 14Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, so that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.
Verse 15Make us glad as many days as you have afflicted us, and as many years as we have seen evil.
Verse 16Let your work be manifest to your servants, and your glorious power to their children.
Verse 17Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and prosper for us the work of our hands- O prosper the work of our hands!
Devotion
Today I kayaked the bay where my lake cabin sits. I like to follow the shoreline and pay attention. Saw two loon chicks riding on their parents back. I was surprised how big the lily pads had grown, large as dinner plates. I gave a wave to Bob and Mary. They were in their old brown and white wood rowboat. They row to get some exercise. One rows up the bay, the other rows back. I saw my friend Les sitting on his dock, so I pulled alongside to say hello. He told me he was putting the cabin up for sale. “I can’t take care of the place anymore and the kids don’t want it,” he said. “Four generations and it’s the end of the road.” We talked for a while. I listened mostly. Then I paddled back toward home. Teach us to number our days, says the psalmist, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Amen to that.
Prayer
Thank you for this day, O Lord. Let me use my time wisely. Help me see your handiwork in all things and in all people. Amen.