Psalms 102
1 A prayer of someone afflicted, who grows faint and pours out their plea before the LORD.
2 LORD, hear my prayer, and let my cry for help reach you.
3 Do not hide your face from me in my day of distress; turn your ear toward me. When I call, answer me quickly.
4 For my days have vanished like smoke, and my bones burn like glowing embers.
5 My heart is struck down and dried up like grass; I even forget to eat my bread.
6 Because of the sound of my groaning, my bones cling to my flesh.
7 I have become like a desert bird; I am like an owl among ruins.
8 I stay awake and am like a solitary bird on a rooftop.
9 All day long my enemies insult me; those who mock me use my name in their curses.
10 For I eat ashes like bread and mix my drink with tears.
11 Because of your indignation and anger, you lifted me up and threw me away.
12 My days are like a lengthening shadow, and I am drying up like grass.
13 But you, LORD, remain forever; your remembrance endures from generation to generation.
14 You will rise and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to show her mercy; the appointed time has come.
15 For your servants cherish her stones and pity her dust.
16 The nations will fear the name of the LORD, and all the kings of the earth your glory.
17 For the LORD has rebuilt Zion; he has appeared in his glory.
18 He has turned toward the prayer of the helpless and has not despised their plea.
19 Let this be written for a future generation, so that a people yet to be created may praise the LORD.
20 For he looked down from his holy height; from the heavens the LORD gazed upon the earth.
21 He came to hear the groaning of the prisoner and to set those condemned to death free.
22 So the name of the LORD is proclaimed in Zion, and his praise in Jerusalem,
23 when peoples gather together, and kingdoms, to serve the LORD.
24 He weakened my strength along the way; he shortened my days.
25 I say, “My God, do not take me away in the middle of my days. Your years endure through all generations.”
26 Long ago you founded the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands.
27 They will perish, but you remain. They will all wear out like clothing; you change them like a garment, and they pass away.
28 But you are the same, and your years will never end.
29 The children of your servants will live securely, and their descendants will be established before you.
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