1. Hear my prayer, Lord; let my cry for help come to you.
2. Do not hide your face from me when I am in distress. Turn your ear to me; when I call, answer me quickly.
3. For my days vanish like smoke; my bones burn like glowing embers.
4. My heart is blighted and withered like grass; I forget to eat my food.
5. In my distress I groan aloud and am reduced to skin and bones.
6. I am like a desert owl, like an owl among the ruins.
7. I lie awake; I have become like a bird alone on a roof.
8. All day long my enemies taunt me; those who rail against me use my name as a curse.
9. For I eat ashes as my food and mingle my drink with tears
10. because of your great wrath, for you have taken me up and thrown me aside.
11. My days are like the evening shadow; I wither away like grass.
12. But you, Lord, sit enthroned forever; your renown endures through all generations.
13. You will arise and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to show favor to her; the appointed time has come.
14. For her stones are dear to your servants; her very dust moves them to pity.