1A Prayer of the afflicted, when he is overwhelmed and pours out his complaint before Yahweh. Hear my prayer, Yahweh! Let my cry reach you.
2Don't hide your face from me when I am in trouble. Listen closely to me. Answer me quickly when I call.
3For my days disappear like smoke. My bones are burned up like a fire.
4My heart is shriveled and withered like grass, because I forget to eat my food.
5Because of my constant groaning, my bones are sticking to my skin.
6I am like a pelican in the wilderness. I have become like an owl in ruined places.
7I stay awake and am like a solitary sparrow on a rooftop.
8My enemies insult me all day. Those who are angry with me use my name as a curse.
9For I have eaten ashes like bread and mixed my drinks with tears,
10Because of your anger and fury, you have picked me up and thrown me away.
11My days are like a long shadow; I have dried up like grass.
12But you, Yahweh, will live forever; people will remember your fame for all generations.
13You will rise up and show mercy to Zion; it is time to have pity on her. Yes, the appointed time has come.
14For your servants love her stones and feel sorry for her dust.
15So the nations will respect Yahweh's name, and all the kings of the earth will acknowledge your glory.
16For Yahweh has rebuilt Zion; he has appeared in his glory.
17He has answered the prayer of the poor and has not ignored their plea.
18This will be recorded for future generations. A people who are yet to be born will praise Yah.
19For he looked down from his holy place on high; from heaven, Yahweh looked at the earth;
20to hear the groans of prisoners and to set free those sentenced to death;
21so that people may declare Yahweh's name in Zion and his praise in Jerusalem;
22when nations and kingdoms gather together to worship Yahweh.
23He broke my strength during my life's journey; he cut short my days.
24I said, "My God, don't take me away in the middle of my life. Your years last through all generations."
25In the beginning, you laid the foundation of the earth. The heavens are the work of your hands.
26They will disappear, but you will remain. Yes, they will all wear out like a piece of clothing. You will change them like a coat, and they will be changed.
27But you are always the same. Your years will never end.
28The children of your servants will continue. Their descendants will be secure in your presence.