[1] Hear my prayer, Yahweh! Let my cry come to you.
[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.
[3] For my days consume away like smoke. My bones are burned as a torch.
[4] My heart is blighted like grass, and withered, for I forget to eat my bread.
[5] By 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] My enemies reproach me all day. Those who are mad at me use my name as a curse.
[9] For I have eaten ashes like bread, and mixed my drink with tears,
[10] Because of your indignation and your wrath, for you have taken me up, and thrown me away.
[11] My days are like a long shadow. I have withered like grass.
[12] But you, Yahweh, will remain forever; your renown endures to all generations.
[13] You will arise and have mercy on Zion; for it is time to have pity on her. Yes, the set time has come.
[14] For your servants take pleasure in her stones, and have pity on her dust.
[15] So the nations will fear Yahweh’s name; all the kings of the earth your glory.
[16] For Yahweh has built up Zion. He has appeared in his glory.
[17] He has responded to the prayer of the destitute, and has not despised their prayer.
[18] This will be written for the generation to come. A people which will be created will praise Yah.
[19] For he has looked down from the height of his sanctuary. From heaven, Yahweh saw the earth;
[20] to hear the groans of the prisoner; to free those who are condemned to death;
[21] that men may declare Yahweh’s name in Zion, and his praise in Jerusalem;
[22] when the peoples are gathered together, the kingdoms, to serve Yahweh.
[23] He 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] Of old, you laid the foundation of the earth. The heavens are the work of your hands.
[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.
[27] But you are the same. Your years will have no end.
[28] The children of your servants will continue. Their offspring will be established before you.”