Psalm

102 O Jehovah, hear my prayer;+

Let my cry for help reach you.+

Incline your ear* to me;

Do answer me quickly when I call.+

 3 For my days are vanishing like smoke,

And my bones are charred like a fireplace.+

 4 My heart has been struck down like grass and has withered,+

For I forget to eat my food.

 5 Because of my loud groaning,+

My bones cling to my flesh.+

 6 I resemble the pelican of the wilderness;

I am like a little owl among the ruins.

 7 I lie awake;*

I am like a solitary bird on a roof.+

 9 For I eat ashes as my bread,+

And my drink is mingled with tears,+

10 Because of your anger and your indignation,

For you lifted me up only to cast me aside.

11 My days are like a fading shadow,*+

And I am withering like grass.+

12 But you remain forever, O Jehovah,+

And your fame* will endure for all generations.+

13 Surely you will rise up and show mercy on Zion,+

For it is time to show her your favor;+

The appointed time has come.+

14 For your servants find pleasure in her stones+

And have affection even for her dust.+

15 The nations will fear the name of Jehovah,

And all the kings of the earth your glory.+

16 For Jehovah will rebuild Zion;+

He will appear in his glory.+

17 He will pay attention to the prayer of the destitute;+

He will not despise their prayer.+

18 This is written for the future generation,+

So that a people yet to be brought forth* will praise Jah.

19 For he looks down from his holy height,+

From the heavens Jehovah views the earth,

20 To hear the sighing of the prisoner,+

To release those sentenced to death,+

21 So that the name of Jehovah will be declared in Zion+

And his praise in Jerusalem,

22 When the peoples and kingdoms

Gather together to serve Jehovah.+

23 He prematurely robbed me of my strength;

He cut short my days.

24 I said: “O my God,

Do not do away with me in the middle of my life,

You whose years span all generations.+

25 Long ago you laid the foundations of the earth,

And the heavens are the work of your hands.+

26 They will perish, but you will remain;

Just like a garment they will all wear out.

28 The children of your servants will dwell securely,

And their offspring will be firmly established before you.”+