Psalms 102
Psalm 102
Affliction in light of Eternity
A prayer of a suffering person who is weak and pours out his lament before the Lord.
1Lord, hear my prayer; let my cry for help come before you.23Do not hide your face from me in my day of trouble. Listen closely to me; answer me quickly when I call.4
5For my days vanish like smoke, and my bones burn like a furnace.6
7My heart is suffering, withered like grass; I even forget to eat my food.8
9Because of the sound of my groaning, my flesh sticks to my bones.10
11I am like an eagle owl, like a little owl among the ruins.12
13I stay awake; I am like a solitary bird on a roof.14
15My enemies taunt me all day long; they ridicule and use my name as a curse.16
17I eat ashes like bread and mingle my drinks with tears18
19because of your indignation and wrath; for you have picked me up and thrown me aside.20
21My days are like a lengthening shadow, and I wither away like grass.22
23But you, Lord, are enthroned forever; your fame endures to all generations.24
25You will rise up and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to show favor to her — the appointed time has come.26
27For your servants take delight in its stones and favor its dust.28
29Then the nations will fear the name of the Lord, and all the kings of the earth your glory,30
31for the Lord will rebuild Zion; he will appear in his glory.32
33He will pay attention to the prayer of the destitute and will not despise their prayer.34
35This will be written for a later generation, and a people who have not yet been created will praise the Lord:36
37He looked down from his holy heights — the Lord gazed out from heaven to earth —38
39to hear a prisoner’s groaning, to set free those condemned to die,40
41so that they might declare the name of the Lord in Zion and his praise in Jerusalem42
43when peoples and kingdoms are assembled to serve the Lord.44
45He has broken my strength in midcourse; he has shortened my days.46
47I say, “My God, do not take me in the middle of my life! Your years continue through all generations.48
49Long ago you established the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands.50
51They will perish, but you will endure; all of them will wear out like clothing. You will change them like a garment, and they will pass away.52
53But you are the same, and your years will never end.54
55Your servants’ children will dwell securely, and their offspring will be established before you.”56