1(102-1) A Prayer of the afflicted, when he fainteth, and poureth out his complaint before the LORD. (102-2) O LORD, hear my prayer, and let my cry come unto Thee.

2(102-3) Hide not Thy face from me in the day of my distress; incline Thine ear unto me; in the day when I call answer me speedily.

3(102-4) For my days are consumed like smoke, and my bones are burned as a hearth.

4(102-5) My heart is smitten like grass, and withered; for I forget to eat my bread.

5(102-6) By reason of the voice of my sighing my bones cleave to my flesh.

6(102-7) I am like a pelican of the wilderness; I am become as an owl of the waste places.

7(102-8) I watch, and am become like a sparrow that is alone upon the housetop.

8(102-9) Mine enemies taunt me all the day; they that are mad against me do curse by me.

9(102-10) For I have eaten ashes like bread, and mingled my drink with weeping,

10(102-11) Because of Thine indignation and Thy wrath; for Thou hast taken me up, and cast me away.

11(102-12) My days are like a lengthening shadow; and I am withered like grass.

12(102-13) But Thou, O LORD, sittest enthroned for ever; and Thy name is unto all generations.

13(102-14) Thou wilt arise, and have compassion upon Zion; for it is time to be gracious unto her, for the appointed time is come.

14(102-15) For Thy servants take pleasure in her stones, and love her dust.

15(102-16) So the nations will fear the name of the LORD, and all the kings of the earth Thy glory;

16(102-17) When the LORD hath built up Zion, when He hath appeared in His glory;

17(102-18) When He hath regarded the prayer of the destitute, and hath not despised their prayer.

18(102-19) This shall be written for the generation to come; and a people which shall be created shall praise the LORD.

19(102-20) For He hath looked down from the height of His sanctuary; from heaven did the LORD behold the earth;

20(102-21) To hear the groaning of the prisoner; to loose those that are appointed to death;

21(102-22) That men may tell of the name of the LORD in Zion, and His praise in Jerusalem;

22(102-23) When the peoples are gathered together, and the kingdoms, to serve the LORD.

23(102-24) He weakened my strength in the way; He shortened my days.

24(102-25) I say: 'O my God, take me not away in the midst of my days, Thou whose years endure throughout all generations.

25(102-26) Of old Thou didst lay the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the work of Thy hands.

26(102-27) They shall perish, but Thou shalt endure; yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt Thou change them, and they shall pass away;

27(102-28) But Thou art the selfsame, and Thy years shall have no end.

28(102-29) The children of Thy servants shall dwell securely, and their seed shall be established before Thee.'