Hear, O Lord, my desperate pleading
After Psalm 102
1 Hear, O Lord, my desperate pleading,
see - my life's brief moments pass -
seeming smoke, my heart in pieces
shrivelled up like withered grass.
As an owl among the ruins
I keep watch alone at night,
while by day my scornful critics
swear and jeer at me in spite.
2 In your anger, did you lift me,
only then to throw me down?
Yet, O Lord, you reign in Heaven
with no end to your renown.
Since you promised you would spare us,
surely now's the time to come:
in your mercy rise, and help us
to rebuild your ruined home.
3 You will satisfy the needy,
and your holy city's fame
will be great among the nations,
drawing homage to your name.
Let the details be recorded
and rehearsed in future days -
since you rescued guilty prisoners,
thousands live to sing your praise.
4 Was it you, O Lord, who crushed me?
Don't destroy my life, I pray:
You created Earth and Heaven -
they, not you, will pass away.
Yet, while these wear out like garments,
through the ages you endure,
and with you our children's children
will forever rest secure.
Emma Turl
© Emma Turl, admin. The Jubilate Group
Metre: 8 7 8 7 D / ARFON (Welsh traditional melody)
