Psalms 101

1The prayer of the pauper, when he was anxious, and so he poured out his petition in the sight of the Lord.

2O Lord, hear my prayer, and let my outcry reach you.

3Do not turn your face away from me. In whatever day that I am in trouble, incline your ear to me. In whatever day that I will call upon you, heed me quickly.

4For my days have faded away like smoke, and my bones have dried out like firewood.

5I have been cut down like hay, and my heart has withered, for I had forgotten to eat my bread.

6Before the voice of my groaning, my bone has adhered to my flesh.

7I have become like a pelican in solitude. I have become like a night raven in a house.

8I have kept vigil, and I have become like a solitary sparrow on a roof.

9All day long my enemies reproached me, and those who praised me swore oaths against me.

10For I chewed on ashes like bread, and I mixed weeping into my drink.

11By the face of your anger and indignation, you lifted me up and threw me down.

12My days have declined like a shadow, and I have dried out like hay.

13But you, O Lord, endure for eternity, and your memorial is from generation to generation.

14You will rise up and take pity on Zion, for it is time for its mercy, for the time has come.

15For its stones have pleased your servants, and they will take pity on its land.

16And the Gentiles will fear your name, O Lord, and all the kings of the earth your glory.

17For the Lord has built up Zion, and he will be seen in his glory.

18He has noticed the prayer of the humble, and he has not despised their petition.

19Let these things be written in another generation, and the people who will be created will praise the Lord.

20For he has gazed from his high sanctuary. From heaven, the Lord has beheld the earth.

21So may he hear the groans of those in shackles, in order that he may release the sons of the slain.

22So may they announce the name of the Lord in Zion and his praise in Jerusalem:

23while the people convene, along with kings, in order that they may serve the Lord.

24He responded to him in the way of his virtue: Declare to me the brevity of my days.

25Do not call me back in the middle of my days: your years are from generation to generation.

26In the beginning, O Lord, you founded the earth. And the heavens are the work of your hands.

27They will perish, but you remain. And all will grow old like a garment. And, like a blanket, you will change them, and they will be changed.

28Yet you are ever yourself, and your years will not decline.

29The sons of your servants will live, and their offspring will be guided aright in every age.