102:1 A Prayer of the afflicted, when he is overwhelmed and pours out his complaint before Yahweh. Hear my prayer, Yahweh! Let my cry come to you.
102:2 Dont 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 torch.
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 remain 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, dont 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.