Psalm 102: Domine, exaudi

LORD, hear my prayer, and let my cry come before you; *

hide not your face from me in the day of my trouble.

Incline your ear to me; *

when I call, make haste to answer me,

For my days drift away like smoke, *

and my bones are hot as burning coals.

My heart is smitten like grass and withered, *

so that I forget to eat my bread.

Because of the voice of my groaning *

I am but skin and bones.

I have become like a vulture in the wilderness, *

like an owl among the ruins.

I lie awake and groan; *

I am like a sparrow, lonely on a house-top.

My enemies revile me all day long, *

and those who scoff at me have taken an oath against me.

For I have eaten ashes for bread *

and mingled my drink with weeping.

Because of your indignation and wrath *

you have lifted me up and thrown me away.

My days pass away like a shadow, *

and I wither like the grass.

But you, O LORD, endure for ever, *

and your Name from age to age.

You will arise and have compassion on Zion,

for it is time to have mercy upon her; *

indeed, the appointed time has come.

For your servants love her very rubble, *

and are moved to pity even for her dust.

The nations shall fear your Name, O LORD, *

and all the kings of the earth your glory.

For the LORD will build up Zion, *

and his glory will appear.

He will look with favor on the prayer of the homeless; *

he will not despise their plea.

Let this be written for a future generation, *

so that a people yet unborn may praise the LORD.

For the LORD looked down from his holy place on high; *

from the heavens he beheld the earth;

That he might hear the groan of the captive *

and set free those condemned to die;

That they may declare in Zion the Name of the LORD, *

and his praise in Jerusalem;

When the peoples are gathered together, *

and the kingdoms also, to serve the LORD.

He has brought down my strength before my time; *

he has shortened the number of my days;

And I said, "O my God,

do not take me away in the midst of my days; *

your years endure throughout all generations.

In the beginning, O LORD, you laid the foundations of the earth, *

and the heavens are the work of your hands;

They shall perish, but you will endure;

they all shall wear out like a garment; *

as clothing you will change them,

and they shall be changed;

But you are always the same, *

and your years will never end.

The children of your servants shall continue, *

and their offspring shall stand fast in your sight."