Do not forget, O my soul:
life will soon fly away,
and the body will return to the dust.

1. From the very moment you were born,
death has been waiting for the time
when it can take you away.
It will not delay for long;
it is preparing to send you
into the world beyond this life.

2. When the Almighty calls you,
your strength, comfort, wealth—everything—
will be of no use.
You may have only a moment
to call upon God.
Will all these earthly things
be able to accompany you then?
No, none of them will.

3. When death comes—
whether in childhood, youth, or old age,
whether at night or during the day—
no one knows.
Human beings do not know
when their final hour will come.

4. Whether death finds you at home,
in the wilderness,
on the dangerous open sea,
or lying on your bed,
wherever you may be,
death is sharpening its sword to strike.

5. Whether through sickness, famine, or conflict,
through a poisonous snake, a wild animal, lightning,
or some other disaster,
your life may suddenly depart.
Your body will then return to the earth.
Have you considered this?

6. Therefore, O heart, prepare yourself now.
Do not say, “I will prepare later.”
Give yourself to the Lord while there is still time;
then afterward,
we will live forever in the heavenly city.