102:1
[Prayer of someone afflicted, who in misfortune pours out sorrows before Yahweh] Yahweh, hear my prayer, let my cry for help reach you.
102:2
Do not turn away your face from me when I am in trouble; bend down and listen to me, when I call, be quick to answer me!
102:3
For my days are vanishing like smoke, my bones burning like an oven;
102:4
like grass struck by blight, my heart is withering, I forget to eat my meals.
102:5
From the effort of voicing my groans my bones stick out through my skin.
102:6
I am like a desert-owl in the wastes, a screech-owl among ruins,
102:7
I keep vigil and moan like a lone bird on a roof.
102:8
All day long my enemies taunt me, those who once praised me now use me as a curse.
102:9
Ashes are the food that I eat, my drink is mingled with tears,
102:10
because of your fury and anger, since you have raised me up only to cast me away;
102:11
my days are like a fading shadow, I am withering up like grass.
102:12
But you, Yahweh, are enthroned for ever, each generation in turn remembers you.
102:13
Rise up, take pity on Zion! the time has come to have mercy on her, the moment has come;
102:14
for your servants love her very stones, are moved to pity by her dust.
102:15
Then will the nations revere the name of Yahweh, and all the kings of the earth your glory;
102:16
when Yahweh builds Zion anew, he will be seen in his glory;
102:17
he will turn to hear the prayer of the destitute, and will not treat their prayer with scorn.
102:18
This shall be put on record for a future generation, and a people yet to be born shall praise God:
102:19
Yahweh has leaned down from the heights of his sanctuary, has looked down from heaven to earth,
102:20
to listen to the sighing of the captive, and set free those condemned to death,
102:21
to proclaim the name of Yahweh in Zion, his praise in Jerusalem;
102:22
nations will gather together, and kingdoms to worship Yahweh.
102:23
In my journeying my strength has failed on the way;
102:24
let me know the short time I have left. Do not take me away before half my days are done, for your years run on from age to age.
102:25
Long ago you laid earth's foundations, the heavens are the work of your hands.
102:26
They pass away but you remain; they all wear out like a garment, like outworn clothes you change them;
102:27
but you never alter, and your years never end.
102:28
The children of those who serve you will dwell secure, and their descendants live on in your presence.
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