Psalm 102
O Lord, hear my prayer
: and let my cry come to you.
Do not hide your face from me in the day of my trouble
: turn your ear to me; and when I call, be swift to answer.
For my days pass away like smoke
: and my bones burn as in a furnace.
My heart is scorched and withered like grass
: and I forget to eat my bread.
I am weary with the sound of my groaning
: my bones stick fast to my skin.
I have become like an owl in the wilderness
: like a screech-owl among the ruins.
I keep watch and flit to and fro
: like a sparrow upon a housetop.
My enemies taunt me all day long
: and those who rave at me make oaths against me.
Surely I have eaten ashes for bread
: and mingled my drink with tears,
Because of your wrath and indignation
: for you have taken me up and tossed me aside.
My days decline like a shadow
: and I wither away like grass.
But you, Lord, are enthroned for ever
: and your name shall be known throughout all generations.
You will arise and have mercy upon Zion
: for it is time to pity her, the appointed time has come.
Your servants love even her stones
: and her dust moves them to pity.
Then shall the nations fear your name, O Lord
: and all the kings of the earth your glory,
When the Lord has built up Zion
: when he shows himself in his glory,
When he turns to the prayer of the destitute
: and does not despise their supplication.
Let this be written down for those who come after
: and a people yet unborn will praise the Lord.
For the Lord has looked down from the height of his holiness
: from heaven he has looked upon the earth,
To hear the groaning of the prisoner
: to deliver those condemned to die;
That they may proclaim the name of the Lord in Zion
: and his praises in Jerusalem,
When the nations are gathered together
: and the kingdoms, to serve the Lord.
He has broken my strength before my time
: he has cut short my days.
Do not take me away, O God, in the midst of my life
: you, whose years extend through all generations.
In the beginning you laid the foundations of the earth
: and the heavens are the work of your hands.
They shall perish, but you will endure
: they shall all grow old like a garment;
like clothes you will change them,
and they shall pass away.
But you are the same for ever
: and your years will never fail.
The children of your servants shall rest secure
: and their seed shall be established in your sight.