Psalm 102

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

1Yahweh, hear my prayer; let my cry for help come to you.

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

3For my days vanish like smoke, and my bones burn like glowing coals.

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

5Because of my loud groaning, my bones cling to my skin.

6I am like an owl of the wilderness; I have become like a little owl among the ruins.

7I lie awake; I have become like a lonely bird on a roof.

8All day long my enemies taunt me; those who mock me use my name as a curse.

9For I eat ashes as my bread and mix my drink with tears,

10because of your indignation and your anger, for you lifted me up and threw me away.

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

12But you, Yahweh, are enthroned forever, and your renown endures through all generations.

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

14For your servants hold her stones dear and have pity on her dust.

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

16For Yahweh will build up Zion; he will appear in his glory.

17He will turn to the prayer of the destitute and will not despise their prayer.

18Let this be written down for a generation to come, so that a people not yet created may praise Yah.

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

20to hear the groans of the prisoner, to set free those condemned to death,

21so that the name of Yahweh may be declared in Zion and his praise in Jerusalem,

22when peoples and kingdoms gather together to serve Yahweh.

23He has broken my strength in midcourse; he has cut short my days.

24I say, “My God, do not take me away in the middle of my days—you whose years go on through all generations.”

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

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

27But you are the same, and your years will never end.

28The children of your servants will live secure, and their descendants will be established before you.