NETtext - Psalms - 102

102:1  The prayer of an oppressed man, as he grows faint and pours out his lament before the Lord.O LORD, hear my prayer! Pay attention to my cry for help!

102:2  Do not ignore me in my time of trouble! Listen to me! When I call out to you, quickly answer me!

102:3  For my days go up in smoke, and my bones are charred like a fireplace.

102:4  My heart is parched and withered like grass, for I am unable to eat food.

102:5  Because of the anxiety that makes me groan, my bones protrude from my skin.

102:6  I am like an owl in the wilderness; I am like a screech owl among the ruins.

102:7  I stay awake; I am like a solitary bird on a roof.

102:8  All day long my enemies taunt me; those who mock me use my name in their curses.

102:9  For I eat ashes as if they were bread, and mix my drink with my tears,

102:10  because of your anger and raging fury. Indeed, you pick me up and throw me away.

102:11  My days are coming to an end, and I am withered like grass.

102:12  But you, O LORD, rule forever, and your reputation endures.

102:13  You will rise up and have compassion on Zion. For it is time to have mercy on her, for the appointed time has come.

102:14  Indeed, your servants take delight in her stones, and feel compassion for the dust of her ruins.

102:15  The nations will respect the reputation of the LORD, and all the kings of the earth will respect his splendor,

102:16  when the LORD rebuilds Zion, and reveals his splendor,

102:17  when he responds to the prayer of the destitute, and does not reject their request.

102:18  The account of his intervention will be recorded for future generations; people yet to be born will praise the LORD.

102:19  For he will look down from his sanctuary above; from heaven the LORD will look toward earth,

102:20  in order to hear the painful cries of the prisoners, and to set free those condemned to die,

102:21  so they may proclaim the name of the LORD in Zion, and praise him in Jerusalem,

102:22  when the nations gather together, and the kingdoms pay tribute to the LORD.

102:23  He has taken away my strength in the middle of life; he has cut short my days.

102:24  I say, "O my God, please do not take me away in the middle of my life! You endure through all generations.

102:25  In earlier times you established the earth; the skies are your handiwork.

102:26  They will perish, but you will endure. They will wear out like a garment; like clothes you will remove them and they will disappear.

102:27  But you remain; your years do not come to an end.

102:28  The children of your servants will settle down here, and their descendants will live securely in your presence."