The prayer of the afflicted
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A prayer of the afflicted when he is overwhelmed and pours out his lament before Yahweh. Hear my prayer, Yahweh; hear my cry to you.
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Do not hide your face from me in my time of trouble. Listen to me. When I call out to you, answer me quickly.
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For my days pass away like smoke, and my bones burn like fire.
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My heart is crushed, and I am like grass that has withered. I forget to eat any food.
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With my continual groaning, I have become very thin.
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I am like a pelican of the wilderness; I have become like an owl in the ruins.
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I lie awake like a solitary bird, alone on the housetop.
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My enemies taunt me all day long; those who mock me use my name in curses.
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I eat ashes like bread and mix my drink with tears.
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Because of your raging anger, you have lifted me up to throw me down.
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My days are like a shadow that fades, and I have withered like grass.
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But you, Yahweh, live forever, and your fame is for all generations.
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You will rise up and have mercy on Zion. Now is the time to have mercy upon her; the appointed time has come.
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For your servants hold her stones dear and feel compassion for the dust of her ruins.
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The nations will respect your name, Yahweh, and all the kings of the earth will honor your glory.
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Yahweh will rebuild Zion and will appear in his glory.
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At that time, he will respond to the prayer of the destitute; he will not reject their prayer.
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This will be written for future generations, and a people not yet born will praise Yahweh.
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For he has looked down from the holy heights; from heaven Yahweh has viewed the earth,
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to hear the groaning of the prisoners, to release those who were condemned to death.
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Then men will proclaim the name of Yahweh in Zion and his praise in Jerusalem
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when the peoples and kingdoms gather together to serve Yahweh.
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He has taken away my strength in the middle of life. He has shortened my days.
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I said, “My God, do not take me away in the middle of life; you are here throughout all generations.
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In ancient times you set the earth in place; the heavens are the work of your hands.
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They will perish, but you will remain; they will all grow old like a garment; like clothing, you will remove them, and they will disappear.
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But you are the same, and your years will have no end.
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The children of your servants will live on, and their descendants will live in your presence.”
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