A Prayer of the Afflicted and Overwhelmed

Psalms 102:1-11

Prayer of a sufferer overcome by weakness and pouring out his complaint before ADONAI: ADONAI, hear my prayer! Let my cry for help reach you!

Don't hide your face from me when I am in such distress! Turn your ear toward me; when I call, be quick to reply!

For my days are vanishing like smoke, my bones are burning like a furnace.

I am stricken and withered like grass; I forget to eat my food.

Because of my loud groaning, I am just skin and bones.

I am like a great owl in the desert, I've become like an owl in the ruins.

I lie awake and become like a bird alone on the roof.

My enemies taunt me all day long; mad with rage, they make my name a curse.

For I have been eating ashes like bread and mingling tears with my drink

because of your furious anger, since you picked me up just to toss me aside.

My days decline like an evening shadow; I am drying up like grass.