Psalm 102
Reading edition
A Prayer of the afflicted, when he is overwhelmed and pours out his complaint before Yahweh.
102:1 Hear my prayer, Yahweh!
Let my cry come to you.
102:2 Don't hide your face from me in the day of my distress.
Turn your ear to me.
Answer me quickly in the day when I call.
102:3 For my days consume away like smoke.
My bones are burned as a firebrand.
102:4 My heart is blighted like grass, and withered,
for I forget to eat my bread.
102:5 By reason of the voice of my groaning,
my bones stick to my skin.
102:6 I am like a pelican of the wilderness.
I have become as an owl of the waste places.
102:7 I watch, and have become like a sparrow that is alone on the housetop.
102:8 My enemies reproach me all day.
Those who are mad at me use my name as a curse.
102:9 For I have eaten ashes like bread,
and mixed my drink with tears,
102:10 Because of your indignation and your wrath,
for you have taken me up, and thrown me away.
102:11 My days are like a long shadow.
I have withered like grass.
102:12 But you, Yahweh, will abide forever;
your renown endures to all generations.
102:13 You will arise and have mercy on Zion;
for it is time to have pity on her.
Yes, the set time has come.
102:14 For your servants take pleasure in her stones,
and have pity on her dust.
102:15 So the nations will fear the name of Yahweh;
all the kings of the earth your glory.
102:16 For Yahweh has built up Zion.
He has appeared in his glory.
102:17 He has responded to the prayer of the destitute,
and has not despised their prayer.
102:18 This will be written for the generation to come.
A people which will be created will praise Yah.
102:19 For he has looked down from the height of his sanctuary.
From heaven, Yahweh saw the earth;
102:20 to hear the groans of the prisoner;
to free those who are condemned to death;
102:21 that men may declare the name of Yahweh in Zion,
and his praise in Jerusalem;
102:22 when the peoples are gathered together,
the kingdoms, to serve Yahweh.
102:23 He weakened my strength along the course.
He shortened my days.
102:24 I said, "My God, don't take me away in the midst of my days.
Your years are throughout all generations.
102:25 Of old, you laid the foundation of the earth.
The heavens are the work of your hands.
102:26 They will perish, but you will endure.
Yes, all of them will wear out like a garment.
You will change them like a cloak, and they will be changed.
102:27 But you are the same.
Your years will have no end.
102:28 The children of your servants will continue.
Their seed will be established before you."