Page:Book of common prayer (TEC, 1979).pdf/731



, hear my prayer, and let my cry come before you; * hide not your face from me in the day of my trouble.

Incline your ear to me; * when I call, make haste to answer me,

For my days drift away like smoke, * and my bones are hot as burning coals.

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

Because of the voice of my groaning * I am but skin and bones.

I have become like a vulture in the wilderness, * like an owl among the ruins.

I lie awake and groan; * I am like a sparrow, lonely on a house&#8209;top.

My enemies revile me all day long, * and those who scoff at me have taken an oath against me.

For I have eaten ashes for bread * and mingled my drink with weeping.

Because of your indignation and wrath * you have lifted me up and thrown me away.

My days pass away like a shadow, * and I wither like the grass.

But you, O, endure for ever, * and your Name from age to age.