In earlier times you established the earth; the skies are your handiwork.

The account of his intervention will be recorded for future generations; people yet to be born will praise the Lord.

The prayer of an oppressed man, as he grows faint and pours out his lament before the Lord. O Lord, hear my prayer! Pay attention to my cry for help!

They will perish, but you will endure. They will wear out like a garment; like clothes you will remove them and they will disappear.

You will rise up and have compassion on Zion. For it is time to have mercy on her, for the appointed time has come.

But you remain; your years do not come to an end.

But you, O Lord, rule forever, and your reputation endures.

when the Lord rebuilds Zion, and reveals his splendor,

I say, "O my God, please do not take me away in the middle of my life! You endure through all generations.

For he will look down from his sanctuary above; from heaven the Lord will look toward earth,

when he responds to the prayer of the destitute, and does not reject their request.

I am like an owl in the wilderness; I am like a screech owl among the ruins.

For my days go up in smoke, and my bones are charred like a fireplace.

Do not ignore me in my time of trouble! Listen to me! When I call out to you, quickly answer me!

I stay awake; I am like a solitary bird on a roof.

The nations will respect the reputation of the Lord, and all the kings of the earth will respect his splendor,

My days are coming to an end, and I am withered like grass.

The children of your servants will settle down here, and their descendants will live securely in your presence."

Indeed, your servants take delight in her stones, and feel compassion for the dust of her ruins.

in order to hear the painful cries of the prisoners, and to set free those condemned to die,

Because of the anxiety that makes me groan, my bones protrude from my skin.

so they may proclaim the name of the Lord in Zion, and praise him in Jerusalem,

He has taken away my strength in the middle of life; he has cut short my days.

My heart is parched and withered like grass, for I am unable to eat food.

All day long my enemies taunt me; those who mock me use my name in their curses.

because of your anger and raging fury. Indeed, you pick me up and throw me away.

when the nations gather together, and the kingdoms pay tribute to the Lord.

For I eat ashes as if they were bread, and mix my drink with my tears,