A Prayer of the Afflicted and Overwhelmed

Psalms 102:1-11

Hear my prayer, O LORD; let my cry for help come before You.

Do not hide Your face from me in my day of distress. Incline Your ear to me; answer me quickly when I call.

For my days vanish like smoke, and my bones burn like glowing embers.

My heart is afflicted, and withered like grass; I even forget to eat my bread.

Through my loud groaning my flesh clings to my bones.

I am like a desert owl, like an owl among the ruins.

I lie awake; I am like a lone bird on a housetop.

All day long my enemies taunt me; they ridicule me and curse me.

For I have eaten ashes like bread and mixed my drink with tears

because of Your indignation and wrath, for You have picked me up and cast me aside.

My days are like lengthening shadows, and I wither away like grass.