January 7
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PSALM 102
Hear my prayer, O LORD; let my cry come to you!
2 Do not hide your face from me in the day of my distress!
Incline your ear to me; answer me speedily in the day when I call!
3 For my days pass away like smoke, and my bones burn like a furnace.
4 My heart is struck down like grass and has withered; I forget to eat my bread.
5 Because of my loud groaning my bones cling to my flesh.
6 I am like a desert owl of the wilderness, like an owl of the waste places;
7 I lie awake; I am like a lonely sparrow on the housetop.
8 All the day my enemies taunt me; those who deride me use my name for a curse.
9 For I eat ashes like bread and mingle tears with my drink,10 because of your indignation and anger; for you have taken me up and thrown me down.
11 My days are like an evening shadow; I wither away like grass.
12 But you, O LORD, are enthroned forever; you are remembered throughout all generations.13 You will arise and have pity on Zion;
it is the time to favor her; the appointed time has come.
14 For your servants hold her stones dear and have pity on her dust.
– Psalm 102:1-14
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PSALM 102 HEAR ME LORD IN MY DISTRESS
A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
O Lord, I cry out to you as I am overcome with distress
Hear my plea now that I am overwhelmed with anxiety
Give ear to my pleadings and give me courage to endure
I have been feeling hopeless but I know that you stay faithful
I am full of grief and sorrow that I lie awake each night
Grant me peace as these trials come in my midst
My life is fleeting but you are there forever
You are loving and gracious and you give us life eternal
Comfort me when I am full of grief and sorrow
Let me look forward to that day when they will all be wiped out.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it important for Christians to cry out to God in their distress