1. The prayer of one afflicted and wasting away whose anguish is poured out before the Lord.
2. Lord, hear my prayer;let my cry come to you.
3. Do not hide your face from mein the day of my distress.Turn your ear to me;when I call, answer me quickly.
4. For my days vanish like smoke;my bones burn away as in a furnace.
5. My heart is withered, dried up like grass,too wasted to eat my food.
6. From my loud groaningI become just skin and bones.
7. I am like a desert owl,like an owl among the ruins.
8. I lie awake and moan,like a lone sparrow on the roof.
9. All day long my enemies taunt me;in their rage, they make my name a curse.
10. I eat ashes like bread,mingle my drink with tears.
11. Because of your furious wrath,you lifted me up just to cast me down.
12. My days are like a lengthening shadow;I wither like the grass.
13. But you, Lord, are enthroned forever;your renown is for all generations.
14. You will again show mercy to Zion;now is the time for pity;the appointed time has come.
15. Its stones are dear to your servants;its dust moves them to pity.