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."