Psalms 102

A prayer of the afflicted one when he grows faint and pours out his complaint before Yahweh.

1O Yahweh, hear my prayer, and let my cry come to you.

2Do not hide your face from me in the day of my distress; incline your ear to me. In the day I call, answer me quickly.

3For my days vanish like smoke, and my bones are scorched like a hearth.

4My heart is struck down and withered like grass, for I forget to eat my bread.

5Because of my groaning, my bones cling to my flesh.

6I am like a desert bird; I have become like an owl among the ruins.

7I lie awake and am like a solitary bird on a rooftop.

8All day long my enemies reproach me; those who mock me swear by me.

9For I have eaten ashes like bread, and mixed my drink with weeping.

10because of your indignation and your wrath, for you have lifted me up and cast me away.

11My days are like a lengthening shadow, and I wither away like grass.

12But you, Yahweh, sit forever, and your name is remembered from generation to generation.

13You will arise and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to show her favor; the appointed time has come.

14For your servants delight in her stones and pity her dust.

15The nations will fear the name of Yahweh, and all the kings of the earth will fear your glory.

16For Yahweh has built Zion; he has appeared in his glory.

17He turned to the prayer of the destitute and did not despise their prayer.

18This will be written for a generation to come, and a people yet to be created will praise Yah.

19For he looked down from his holy height; Yahweh looked from heaven upon the earth,

20to hear the groaning of the prisoner, to release those doomed to die,

21to declare the name of Yahweh in Zion, and his praise in Jerusalem,

22when peoples and kingdoms gather together to serve Yahweh—

23He weakened my strength on the way; he shortened my days.

24I say, “My God, do not take me away in the middle of my days; your years are through all generations.”

25Long ago you founded the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands.

26They will perish, but you will remain; all of them will wear out like a garment. Like clothing you will change them, and they will pass away.

27But you are the same, and your years will not come to an end.

28The children of your servants will dwell, and their offspring will be established before you.