102:1  A Prayer of the afflicted, when he is overwhelmed and pours out his complaint before Yahweh. Hear my prayer, Yahweh! Let my cry come to you.

102:2  Don'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.

102:3  For my days consume away like smoke. My bones are burned as a firebrand.

102:4  My heart is blighted like grass, and withered, For I forget to eat my bread.

102:5  By reason of the voice of my groaning, My bones stick to my skin.

102:6  I am like a pelican of the wilderness. I have become as an owl of the waste places.

102:7  I watch, and have become like a sparrow that is alone on the housetop.

102:8  My enemies reproach me all day. Those who are mad at me use my name as a curse.

102:9  For I have eaten ashes like bread, And mixed my drink with tears,

102:10  Because of your indignation and your wrath, For you have taken me up, and thrown me away.

102:11  My days are like a long shadow. I have withered like grass.

102:12  But you, Yahweh, will abide forever; Your renown endures to all generations.

102:13  You will arise and have mercy on Zion; For it is time to have pity on her. Yes, the set time has come.

102:14  For your servants take pleasure in her stones, And have pity on her dust.

102:15  So the nations will fear the name of Yahweh; All the kings of the earth your glory.

102:16  For Yahweh has built up Zion. He has appeared in his glory.

102:17  He has responded to the prayer of the destitute, And has not despised their prayer.

102:18  This will be written for the generation to come. A people which will be created will praise Yah.

102:19  For he has looked down from the height of his sanctuary. From heaven, Yahweh saw the earth;

102:20  To hear the groans of the prisoner; To free those who are condemned to death;

102:21  That men may declare the name of Yahweh in Zion, And his praise in Jerusalem;

102:22  When the peoples are gathered together, The kingdoms, to serve Yahweh.

102:23  He weakened my strength along the course. He shortened my days.

102:24  I said, "My God, don't take me away in the midst of my days. Your years are throughout all generations.

102:25  Of old, you laid the foundation of the earth. The heavens are the work of your hands.

102:26  They 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.

102:27  But you are the same. Your years will have no end.

102:28  The children of your servants will continue. Their seed will be established before you."