Psalms 102
1 The prayer of the pauper, when he was anxious, and so he poured out his petition in the sight of the Lord. O Lord, hear my prayer, and let my outcry reach you.
A prayer from someone who is suffering and is tired out, pouring out their troubles to the Lord. Lord please hear my prayer, my cry for help!
2 Do not turn your face away from me. In whatever day that I am in trouble, incline your ear to me. In whatever day that I will call upon you, heed me quickly.
Don't hide your face from me in my time of trouble! Turn and listen to me, and answer me quickly when I call.
3 For my days have faded away like smoke, and my bones have dried out like firewood.
My life is disappearing like smoke; my body feels like it's on fire!
4 I have been cut down like hay, and my heart has withered, for I had forgotten to eat my bread.
I'm like grass that's dried up, withered away—I even forget to eat!
5 Before the voice of my groaning, my bone has adhered to my flesh.
All my groaning has worn me out; my bones show through my skin.
6 I have become like a pelican in solitude. I have become like a night raven in a house.
I'm like a desert owl, like a little owl among the ruins.
7 I have kept vigil, and I have become like a solitary sparrow on a roof.
I can't sleep. I'm like a lonely bird on a rooftop.
8 All day long my enemies reproached me, and those who praised me swore oaths against me.
My enemies taunt me all day long. They mock me and swear at me.
9 For I chewed on ashes like bread, and I mixed weeping into my drink.
Ashes are the food I eat; my tears drip into my drink,
10 By the face of your anger and indignation, you lifted me up and threw me down.
because of your anger and hostility, for you have picked me up and tossed me away.
11 My days have declined like a shadow, and I have dried out like hay.
My life is fading away like a shadow that lengthens—I'm withering away like grass.
12 But you, O Lord, endure for eternity, and your memorial is from generation to generation.
But you, Lord, reign forever, your fame will last for all generations.
13 You will rise up and take pity on Zion, for it is time for its mercy, for the time has come.
You will take action and have pity on Jerusalem, for it's time to be kind to the city, the time has come.
14 For its stones have pleased your servants, and they will take pity on its land.
For the people who follow you love its stones; they value even its dust!
15 And the Gentiles will fear your name, O Lord, and all the kings of the earth your glory.
Then the nations will be in awe of who you are, Lord; all the kings of the earth will be in awe of your glory.
16 For the Lord has built up Zion, and he will be seen in his glory.
For the Lord will rebuild Jerusalem; he will appear in glory.
17 He has noticed the prayer of the humble, and he has not despised their petition.
He will pay attention to the prayers of the homeless; he will not disregard their requests.
18 Let these things be written in another generation, and the people who will be created will praise the Lord.
Let this be recorded for generations to come, so that people yet to be born may praise the Lord:
19 For he has gazed from his high sanctuary. From heaven, the Lord has beheld the earth.
The Lord looked down from above, from the heights of his holy place; he looked down from heaven to the earth,
20 So may he hear the groans of those in shackles, in order that he may release the sons of the slain.
to respond to the groans of prisoners, to set free the children of death.
21 So may they announce the name of the Lord in Zion and his praise in Jerusalem:
As a result the wonderful nature of the Lord will be celebrated with praise in Jerusalem,
22 while the people convene, along with kings, in order that they may serve the Lord.
when the people of many kingdoms gather together to worship the Lord.
23 He responded to him in the way of his virtue: Declare to me the brevity of my days.
But as for me, he broke my health while I was still young, cutting my life short.
24 Do not call me back in the middle of my days: your years are from generation to generation.
I cried out, “My God, don't take my life while I'm young! You are the one who lives forever.
25 In the beginning, O Lord, you founded the earth. And the heavens are the work of your hands.
Long ago you created the earth; you made the heavens.
26 They will perish, but you remain. And all will grow old like a garment. And, like a blanket, you will change them, and they will be changed.
They will come to an end, but you will not. They will all wear out, like clothes—you will change them, and throw them away.
27 Yet you are ever yourself, and your years will not decline.
But you are the one who always is; your years never come to an end.
28 The sons of your servants will live, and their offspring will be guided aright in every age.
Our children will live with you, and our children's children will grow in your presence.”
