New Heart English Bible

1 <A Prayer of the afflicted, when he is overwhelmed and pours out his complaint before the LORD. > Hear my prayer, LORD. Let my cry come to you.

2 Do not 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 like a hearth.

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, LORD, will abide 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 the name of the LORD; all the kings of the earth your glory.

16 For the LORD 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, that a people yet to be created may praise the LORD.

19 For he has looked down from the height of his sanctuary. From heaven, the LORD looked at the earth;

20 to hear the groans of the prisoner; to free those who are condemned to death;

21 that men may declare the name of the LORD in Zion, and his praise in Jerusalem;

22 when the peoples are gathered together, the kingdoms, to serve the LORD.

23 He weakened my strength along the course. He shortened my days.

24 I said, "My God, do not take me away in the midst of my days. Your years are throughout all generations.

25 In the beginning, LORD, you established the foundation of the earth. The heavens are the works of your hands.

26 They will perish, but you remain; and they will all 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, and their descendants will be established before you."