Psalm 102

Hear my prayer, O Lord, and let my cry come unto you.

Hide not your face from me in the time of my trouble; incline your ear to me when I call; O hear me, and very soon.

For my days are consumed like smoke, and my bones are burnt up as in a furnace.

My heart is smitten and withered like grass, so that I forget to eat my bread.

Because of the voice of my groaning, my bones will scarcely cleave to my flesh.

I have become like an owl in the wilderness and like a screech-owl among the ruins.

I am solitary, and lie sleepless because of my groaning; I am like a sparrow that sits alone upon the housetop.

My enemies revile me all day long, and those who are enraged against me conspire to do me hurt.

For I have eaten ashes as if they were bread and mingled my drink with weeping,

Because of your indignation and wrath, for you have taken me up and cast me down.

My days are gone like a shadow, and I am withered like grass.

But you, O Lord, shall endure for ever, and your remembrance throughout all generations.

You shall arise and have mercy upon Zion, for it is time for you to have mercy upon her; indeed, the time has come.

For your servants love her very stones, and are moved to pity to see her in the dust.

The nations shall fear your Name, O Lord, and all the kings of the earth your majesty,

When the Lord shall build up Zion, and when his glory shall appear,

When he turns to the prayer of the destitute and despises not their plea.

This shall be written for those that come after, and a people that shall yet be born shall praise the Lord.

For he has looked down from his sanctuary; from the heavens the Lord has beheld the earth,

That he might hear the groanings of those who are in captivity, and deliver those who are condemned to die,

That they may declare the Name of the Lord in Zion, and his praises in Jerusalem;

When the peoples are gathered together, and the kingdoms also, to serve the Lord.

He brought down my strength before my time, and shortened my days.

But I said, “O my God, take me not away in the midst of my days; for your years endure throughout all generations.”