Psalm 102
A Prayer of the afflicted, when he is overwhelmed and pours out his complaint before Yahweh.
[102:1] Hear my prayer, Yahweh! Let my cry come to you. [102:2] Don't hide your face from me in the day of my distress. Turn your ear to me. Answer me quickly in the day when I call. [102:3] For my days consume away like smoke. My bones are burned as a firebrand. [102:4] My heart is blighted like grass, and withered, for I forget to eat my bread. [102:5] By reason of the voice of my groaning, my bones stick to my skin. [102:6] I am like a pelican of the wilderness. I have become as an owl of the waste places. [102:7] I watch, and have become like a sparrow that is alone on the housetop. [102:8] My enemies reproach me all day. Those who are mad at me use my name as a curse. [102:9] For I have eaten ashes like bread, and mixed my drink with tears, [102:10] Because of your indignation and your wrath, for you have taken me up, and thrown me away. [102:11] My days are like a long shadow. I have withered like grass. [102:12] But you, Yahweh, will abide forever; your renown endures to all generations. [102:13] You will arise and have mercy on Zion; for it is time to have pity on her. Yes, the set time has come. [102:14] For your servants take pleasure in her stones, and have pity on her dust. [102:15] So the nations will fear the name of Yahweh; all the kings of the earth your glory. [102:16] For Yahweh has built up Zion. He has appeared in his glory. [102:17] He has responded to the prayer of the destitute, and has not despised their prayer. [102:18] This will be written for the generation to come. A people which will be created will praise Yah. [102:19] For he has looked down from the height of his sanctuary. From heaven, Yahweh saw the earth; [102:20] to hear the groans of the prisoner; to free those who are condemned to death; [102:21] that men may declare the name of Yahweh in Zion, and his praise in Jerusalem; [102:22] when the peoples are gathered together, the kingdoms, to serve Yahweh. [102:23] He weakened my strength along the course. He shortened my days. [102:24] I said, "My God, don't take me away in the midst of my days. Your years are throughout all generations. [102:25] Of old, you laid the foundation of the earth. The heavens are the work of your hands. [102:26] They will perish, but you will endure. Yes, all of them will wear out like a garment. You will change them like a cloak, and they will be changed. [102:27] But you are the same. Your years will have no end. [102:28] The children of your servants will continue. Their seed will be established before you."