I said, “I will guard my ways,
that I may not falter in my words.
I will keep silent when faced with trouble,
holding my tongue in wisdom.”
But my heart burned within me,
a fire stirred in my soul,
and I could not keep silent any longer.
O Lord, let me understand the measure of my days,
that I may walk in wisdom.
Life is but a breath,
a passing shadow in the light of eternity.
People rush and strive,
gathering wealth they cannot hold,
not knowing who will claim it in the end.
But now, O Lord, what do I wait for?
My hope is in You.
Deliver me from the burdens I carry,
and let me not be weighed down by regret.
You guide me with loving hands,
correcting me with kindness,
shaping my heart with wisdom.
Hear my prayer, O Lord,
listen to my cry.
Hold me close,
for I am but a traveler before You,
a sojourner in Your light.
Turn Your gaze of love upon me,
that I may walk in joy once more,
and find peace in Your presence.