A prayer by the afflicted man who is overwhelmed and talks about his troubles with the LORD.

A Prayer for Help

1LORD, hear my prayer!

May my cry for help come to you.

2Do not hide your face from me when I am in trouble.

Listen to me.

When I call to out you,

hurry to answer me!

3For my days are vanishing like smoke;

my bones are charred as in a fireplace.

4Withered like grass, my heart is overwhelmed,

and I have even forgotten to eat my food.

5Because of the sound of my sighing,

my bones cling to my skin.

6I resemble a pelican in the wilderness

or an owl in a desolate land.

7I lie awake,

yet I am like a bird isolated on a rooftop.

8My enemies revile me all day long;

those who ridicule me use my name to curse.

9I have eaten ashes as food

and mixed my drink with tears

10because of your indignation and wrath,

when you lifted and threw me away.

11My life isa like a declining shadow,

and I am withering like a plant.

12But you, LORD, are enthroned forever;

You are remembered throughout all generations.

13You will arise to extend compassion on Zion,

for it is time to show her favor—

the appointed time has come.

14Your servants take pleasure in its stones

and delight in its debris.

15Nations will fear the name of the LORD,

and all the kings of the earth, your splendor.

16When the LORD rebuilds Zion,

he will appear in his glory.

17He will turn to the prayer of the destitute,

not despising their prayer.

18Write this for the next generation,

that a people yet to be created will praise the LORD.

19For when he looked down from his holy heights—

the LORD looked over the earth from heaven—

20to listen to the groans of prisoners,

to set free those condemned to death,

21so they would declare the name of the LORD in Zion

and his praise in Jerusalem,

22when people and kingdoms gather together

to serve the LORD.

23He has weakened myb strength along the way.c

He has cut short my days.

24I say, “My God, whose years continue through all generations,

do not take me in the middle of my life.

25You established the earth long ago;

the heavens are the workd of your hands.

26They will perish,

but you will remain;

and they all will become worn out,e like a garment.

Youf will change them like clothing,

and they will pass away.

27But you remain the same;

your years never end.

28May the descendants of your servants live securely,

and may their children be established in your presence.”