[1] LORD, hear my prayer; let my cry for help come before you. [2] Do not hide your face from me in my day of trouble. Listen closely to me; answer me quickly when I call. [3] For my days vanish like smoke, and my bones burn like a furnace. [4] My heart is suffering, withered like grass; I even forget to eat my food. [5] Because of the sound of my groaning, my flesh sticks to my bones. [6] I am like an eagle owl, like a little owl among the ruins. [7] I stay awake; I am like a solitary bird on a roof. [8] My enemies taunt me all day long; they ridicule and use my name as a curse. [9] I eat ashes like bread and mingle my drinks with tears [10] because of your indignation and wrath; for you have picked me up and thrown me aside. [11] My days are like a lengthening shadow, and I wither away like grass. [12] But you, LORD, are enthroned forever; your fame endures to all generations. [13] You will rise up and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to show favor to her- the appointed time has come. [14] For your servants take delight in its stones and favor its dust. [15] Then the nations will fear the name of the LORD, and all the kings of the earth your glory, [16] for the LORD will rebuild Zion; he will appear in his glory. [17] He will pay attention to the prayer of the destitute and will not despise their prayer. [18] This will be written for a later generation, and a people who have not yet been created will praise the LORD: [19] He looked down from his holy heights- the LORD gazed out from heaven to earth- [20] to hear a prisoner's groaning, to set free those condemned to die, [21] so that they might declare the name of the LORD in Zion and his praise in Jerusalem [22] when peoples and kingdoms are assembled to serve the LORD. [23] He has broken my strength in midcourse; he has shortened my days. [24] I say, "My God, do not take me in the middle of my life! Your years continue through all generations. [25] Long ago you established the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. [26] They 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. [27] But you are the same, and your years will never end. [28] Your servants' children will dwell securely, and their offspring will be established before you."
