They band together against the righteous and condemn the innocent to death.

But the LORD has been my stronghold, and my God is my rock of refuge.

He will bring upon them their own iniquity and destroy them for their wickedness. The LORD our God will destroy them.

Do not hide Your face from me in my day of distress. Incline Your ear to me; answer me quickly when I call.

For my days vanish like smoke, and my bones burn like glowing embers.

Through my loud groaning my skin hangs on my bones.

I am like a desert owl, like an owl among the ruins.

I lie awake; I am like a lone bird on a housetop.

All day long my enemies taunt me; they ridicule me and curse me.

For I have eaten ashes like bread and mixed my drink with tears

because of Your indignation and wrath, for You have picked me up and cast me aside.

My days are like lengthening shadows, and I wither away like grass.

He has broken my strength on the way; He has cut short my days.

I say: “O my God, do not take me in the midst of my days! Your years go on through all generations.

He will not always accuse us, nor harbor His anger forever.

He has not dealt with us according to our sins or repaid us according to our iniquities.

As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.

For He knows our frame; He is mindful that we are dust.

Many times He rescued them, but they were bent on rebellion and sank down in their iniquity.

Nevertheless He heard their cry; He took note of their distress.

And He remembered His covenant with them, and relented by the abundance of His loving devotion.

He made them objects of compassion to all who held them captive.

Save us, O LORD our God, and gather us from the nations, that we may give thanks to Your holy name, that we may glory in Your praise.

Some wandered in desert wastelands, finding no path to a city in which to dwell.

They were hungry and thirsty; their soul fainted within them.