📖 Psalms 102
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1
The prayer of an oppressed man, as he grows faint and pours out his lament before the LORD. O LORD, hear my prayer! Pay attention to my cry for help!
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2
Do not ignore me in my time of trouble! Listen to me! When I call out to you, quickly answer me!
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3
For my days go up in smoke, and my bones are charred like a fireplace.
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4
My heart is parched and withered like grass, for I am unable to eat food.
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5
Because of the anxiety that makes me groan, my bones protrude from my skin.
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6
I am like an owl in the wilderness; I am like a screech owl among the ruins.
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7
I stay awake; I am like a solitary bird on a roof.
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8
All day long my enemies taunt me; those who mock me use my name in their curses.
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9
For I eat ashes as if they were bread, and mix my drink with my tears,
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10
because of your anger and raging fury. Indeed, you pick me up and throw me away.
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11
My days are coming to an end, and I am withered like grass.
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12
But you, O LORD, rule forever, and your reputation endures.
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13
You will rise up and have compassion on Zion. For it is time to have mercy on her, for the appointed time has come.
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14
Indeed, your servants take delight in her stones, and feel compassion for the dust of her ruins.
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15
The nations will respect the reputation of the LORD, and all the kings of the earth will respect his splendor,
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16
when the LORD rebuilds Zion, and reveals his splendor,
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17
when he responds to the prayer of the destitute, and does not reject their request.
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18
The account of his intervention will be recorded for future generations; people yet to be born will praise the LORD.
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19
For he will look down from his sanctuary above; from heaven the LORD will look toward earth,
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20
in order to hear the painful cries of the prisoners, and to set free those condemned to die,
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21
so they may proclaim the name of the LORD in Zion, and praise him in Jerusalem,
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22
when the nations gather together, and the kingdoms pay tribute to the LORD.
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23
He has taken away my strength in the middle of life; he has cut short my days.
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24
I say,“O my God, please do not take me away in the middle of my life! You endure through all generations.
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25
In earlier times you established the earth; the skies are your handiwork.
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26
They will perish, but you will endure. They will wear out like a garment; like clothes you will remove them and they will disappear.
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27
But you remain; your years do not come to an end.
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28
The children of your servants will settle down here, and their descendants will live securely in your presence.”