1 H ear my prayer, Yahweh! Let my cry come to you.

2 D on’t hide your face from me in the day of my distress. Turn your ear to me. Answer me quickly in the day when I call.

3 F or my days consume away like smoke. My bones are burned as a torch.

4 M y heart is blighted like grass, and withered, for I forget to eat my bread.

5 B y reason of the voice of my groaning, my bones stick to my skin.

6 I am like a pelican of the wilderness. I have become as an owl of the waste places.

7 I watch, and have become like a sparrow that is alone on the housetop.

8 M y enemies reproach me all day. Those who are mad at me use my name as a curse.

9 F or I have eaten ashes like bread, and mixed my drink with tears,

10 B ecause of your indignation and your wrath, for you have taken me up, and thrown me away.

11 M y days are like a long shadow. I have withered like grass.

12 B ut you, Yahweh, will remain forever; your renown endures to all generations.

13 Y ou will arise and have mercy on Zion; for it is time to have pity on her. Yes, the set time has come.

14 F or your servants take pleasure in her stones, and have pity on her dust.

15 S o the nations will fear Yahweh’s name; all the kings of the earth your glory.

16 F or Yahweh has built up Zion. He has appeared in his glory.

17 H e has responded to the prayer of the destitute, and has not despised their prayer.

18 T his will be written for the generation to come. A people which will be created will praise Yah.

19 F or he has looked down from the height of his sanctuary. From heaven, Yahweh saw the earth;

20 t o hear the groans of the prisoner; to free those who are condemned to death;

21 t hat men may declare Yahweh’s name in Zion, and his praise in Jerusalem;

22 w hen the peoples are gathered together, the kingdoms, to serve Yahweh.

23 H e weakened my strength along the course. He shortened my days.

24 I said, “My God, don’t take me away in the middle of my days. Your years are throughout all generations.

25 O f old, you laid the foundation of the earth. The heavens are the work of your hands.

26 T hey will perish, but you will endure. Yes, all of them will wear out like a garment. You will change them like a cloak, and they will be changed.

27 B ut you are the same. Your years will have no end.

28 T he children of your servants will continue. Their offspring will be established before you.”