Slices
Prepare
Read today’s psalm out loud – slowly, deliberately – then perhaps listen to a favourite worship song before continuing. Listen to what God is saying. Pause to pray.
Bible passage
A prayer of Moses the man of God.
1 Lord, you have been our dwelling-place
throughout all generations.
2 Before the mountains were born
or you brought forth the whole world,
from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
3 You turn people back to dust,
saying, ‘Return to dust, you mortals.’
4 A thousand years in your sight
are like a day that has just gone by,
or like a watch in the night.
5 Yet you sweep people away in the sleep of death –
they are like the new grass of the morning:
6 In the morning it springs up new,
but by evening it is dry and withered.
7 We are consumed by your anger
and terrified by your indignation.
8 You have set our iniquities before you,
our secret sins in the light of your presence.
9 All our days pass away under your wrath;
we finish our years with a moan.
10 Our days may come to seventy years,
or eighty, if our strength endures;
yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow,
for they quickly pass, and we fly away.
11 If only we knew the power of your anger!
Your wrath is as great as the fear that is your due.
12 Teach us to number our days,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
13 Relent, Lord! How long will it be?
Have compassion on your servants.
14 Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love,
that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.
15 Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us,
for as many years as we have seen trouble.
16 May your deeds be shown to your servants,
your splendour to their children.
17 May the favour of the Lord our God rest on us;
establish the work of our hands for us –
yes, establish the work of our hands.
Explore
At 4.52 this morning, druids gathered at Stonehenge to celebrate the summer solstice – the day with the maximum period of daylight. The rhythm of the seasons may slip by unnoticed, but which of us has never said ‘The nights are drawing in’? (Don’t worry, we only lose a few seconds of daylight tomorrow.)
Moses is today’s psalmist, capturing human fascination with the passage of time. How do we react to his contrasting of our faltering, fragile three-score years and ten (v 10) with the permanence and timelessness of a holy God?
In places the language is funereal (v 3). Being ‘consumed’ by God’s anger or ‘terrified’ by his indignation (v 7) may initially jar with his ‘do not be afraid’ exhortation – oft-repeated, including in yesterday’s reading. The reminder that omniscient God peels away the veneer of our ‘secret sins’ (v 8) is convincing. Lament and repent.
Moses intercedes for compassion, resolute that, despite the imbalance of God’s perfection and our imperfection, our time on earth can be joy-filled and productive. The final flourish (v 17) seeks blessing, that our meagre endeavours can transcend time when invested in kingdom-building. Let’s commit to being active in God’s eternal taskforce!
Respond
Prayerfully review your diary. Is there sufficient time devoted to matters of eternal importance rather than temporal? What practical changes could you make to achieve balance?
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: 2 Chronicles 8,9; Psalm 72
Pray for Scripture Union
Thank God for the volunteers leading lunchtime groups in schools in New South Wales. Ask him to stir curious hearts among students, encourage bold and respectful conversations and strengthen volunteers as they faithfully share the good news each week.
Because a strong start begins with smart preparation
Starting secondary school is more than new classrooms and new friends. It’s a season of growth, challenge and discovery. For some children, it’s exciting. For many, it’s overwhelming. And for all, it’s a defining moment.
That’s why It’s Your Move exists – to help children step into this new chapter with faith, courage and confidence.
For over 25 years, this trusted guide has supported more than 2.5 million children, offering practical advice, emotional guidance and encouragement rooted in Christian values.
Practical guidance you can trust.
Inside this 80-page guide, children will find:
✅ Real stories from pupils who’ve trusted God and themselves during the transition
✅ Guidance on friendships, confidence, homework and facing fears like bullying
✅ Space to reflect, pray and process emotions
✅ Encouragement and hope rooted in scripture
This isn’t just a book – it’s reassurance in their backpack.
Plus, every purchase includes instant access to:
✅ Student experience videos
✅ Assembly & lesson plans
✅ Creative tools to help children process the move
Secondary school is coming whether children feel ready or not. Let’s make sure they step forward grounded in faith, guided by hope and prepared with practical wisdom.
Get your copy here.
