They shouted to the Lord and said,“ O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you judge the people who belong to this world and avenge our blood for what they have done to us?”Then a white robe was given to each of them. And they were told to rest a little longer until the full number of their brothers and sisters— their fellow servants of Jesus who were to be martyred— had joined them.
“ Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered— how fleeting my life is.You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best, each of us is but a breath.” Interlude
Remember how short my life is, how empty and futile this human existence!No one can live forever; all will die. No one can escape the power of the grave. Interlude
“ My days fly faster than a weaver’s shuttle. They end without hope.O God, remember that my life is but a breath, and I will never again feel happiness.You see me now, but not for long. You will look for me, but I will be gone.
