
Day XX : Morning Prayer

Psalm 102 - Domine, exaudi

1   Hear my prayer, O Lord, +
    and let my cry come unto you.

2   Hide not your face from me in the time of my trouble; +
    incline your ear to me when I call; O hear me, and very soon.

3   For my days are consumed like smoke, +
    and my bones are burnt up as in a furnace.

4   My heart is smitten and withered like grass, +
    so that I forget to eat my bread.

5   Because of the voice of my groaning, +
    my bones will scarcely cleave to my flesh.

6   I have become like an owl in the wilderness +
    and like a screech-owl among the ruins.

7   I am solitary, and lie sleepless because of my groaning; +
    I am like a sparrow that sits alone upon the housetop.

8   My enemies revile me all day long, +
    and those who are enraged against me conspire to do me hurt.

9   For I have eaten ashes as if they were bread +
    and mingled my drink with weeping,

10  Because of your indignation and wrath, +
    for you have taken me up and cast me down.

11  My days are gone like a shadow, +
    and I am withered like grass.

12  But you, O Lord, shall endure for ever, +
    and your remembrance throughout all generations.

13  You shall arise and have mercy upon Zion, +
    for it is time for you to have mercy upon her; indeed, the time has come.

14  For your servants love her very stones, +
    and are moved to pity to see her in the dust.

15  The nations shall fear your Name, O Lord, +
    and all the kings of the earth your majesty,

16  When the Lord shall build up Zion, +
    and when his glory shall appear,

17  When he turns to the prayer of the destitute +
    and despises not their plea.

18  This shall be written for those that come after, +
    and a people that shall yet be born shall praise the Lord.

19  For he has looked down from his sanctuary; +
    from the heavens the Lord has beheld the earth,

20  That he might hear the groanings of those who are in captivity, +
    and deliver those who are condemned to die,

21  That they may declare the Name of the Lord in Zion, +
    and his praises in Jerusalem;

22  When the peoples are gathered together, +
    and the kingdoms also, to serve the Lord.

23  He brought down my strength before my time, +
    and shortened my days.

24  But I said, “O my God, take me not away in the midst of my days; +
    for your years endure throughout all generations.”

25  You, Lord, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth, +
    and the heavens are the work of your hands.

26  They shall perish, but you shall endure; +
    they all shall wear out, as does a garment;

27  And as a garment you shall change them, and they shall be changed; +
    but you are the same, and your years shall not fail.

28  The children of your servants shall continue, +
    and their seed shall stand fast in your sight.
