[1] Hear my prayer, O LORD; let my cry come to you! [2] Do not hide your face from me in the day of my distress! Incline your ear to me; answer me speedily in the day when I call! [3] For my days pass away like smoke, and my bones burn like a furnace. [4] My heart is struck down like grass and has withered; I forget to eat my bread. [5] Because of my loud groaning my bones cling to my flesh. [6] I am like a desert owl of the wilderness, like an owl of the waste places; [7] I lie awake; I am like a lonely sparrow on the housetop. [8] All the day my enemies taunt me; those who deride me use my name for a curse. [9] For I eat ashes like bread and mingle tears with my drink, [10] because of your indignation and anger; for you have taken me up and thrown me down. [11] My days are like an evening shadow; I wither away like grass. [12] But you, O LORD, are enthroned forever; you are remembered throughout all generations. [13] You will arise and have pity on Zion; it is the time to favor her; the appointed time has come. [14] For your servants hold her stones dear and have pity on her dust. [15] Nations will fear the name of the LORD, and all the kings of the earth will fear your glory. [16] For the LORD builds up Zion; he appears in his glory; [17] he regards the prayer of the destitute and does not despise their prayer. [18] Let this be recorded for a generation to come, so that a people yet to be created may praise the LORD: [19] that he looked down from his holy height; from heaven the LORD looked at the earth, [20] to hear the groans of the prisoners, to set free those who were doomed to die, [21] that they may declare in Zion the name of the LORD, and in Jerusalem his praise, [22] when peoples gather together, and kingdoms, to worship the LORD. [23] He has broken my strength in midcourse; he has shortened my days. [24] "O my God," I say, "take me not away in the midst of my days-you whose years endure throughout all generations!" [25] Of old you laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. [26] They will perish, but you will remain; they will all wear out like a garment. You will change them like a robe, and they will pass away, [27] but you are the same, and your years have no end. [28] The children of your servants shall dwell secure; their offspring shall be established before you.