Psalms 102:1-18

Psalm 102

The prayer of an oppressed man, as he grows faint and pours out his lament before the Lord.

102:1 O Lord, hear my prayer!

Pay attention to my cry for help!

102:2 Do not ignore me in my time of trouble!

Listen to me!

When I call out to you, quickly answer me!

102:3 For my days go up in smoke,

and my bones are charred like a fireplace.

102:4 My heart is parched and withered like grass,

for I am unable to eat food.

102:5 Because of the anxiety that makes me groan,

my bones protrude from my skin.

102:6 I am like an owl in the wilderness;

I am like a screech owl among the ruins.

102:7 I stay awake;

I am like a solitary bird on a roof.

102:8 All day long my enemies taunt me;

those who mock me use my name in their curses.

102:9 For I eat ashes as if they were bread,

and mix my drink with my tears,

102:10 because of your anger and raging fury.

Indeed, you pick me up and throw me away.

102:11 My days are coming to an end,

and I am withered like grass.

102:12 But you, O Lord, rule forever,

and your reputation endures.

102:13 You will rise up and have compassion on Zion.

For it is time to have mercy on her,

for the appointed time has come.

102:14 Indeed, your servants take delight in her stones,

and feel compassion for the dust of her ruins.

102:15 The nations will respect the reputation of the Lord,

and all the kings of the earth will respect his splendor,

102:16 when the Lord rebuilds Zion,

and reveals his splendor,

102:17 when he responds to the prayer of the destitute,

and does not reject their request.

102:18 The account of his intervention will be recorded for future generations;

people yet to be born will praise the Lord.