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For my days pass away like smoke, and my bones burn like a furnace. My heart is struck down like grass and has withered; I forget to eat my bread. Because of my loud groaning my bones cling to my flesh. I am like a desert owl of the wilderness, like an owl of the waste places;I lie awake; I am like a lonely sparrow on the housetop. All the day my enemies taunt me; those who deride me use my name for a curse. For I eat ashes like bread and mingle tears with my drink, because of Your indignation and anger; for You have taken me up and thrown me down. My days are like an evening shadow; I wither away like grass.
I know that suffering and trials are supposed to produce the perseverance that leads to maturity of my faith, but it is so painful when others suffer because of my failures and neglect. I know that the promise extends to them but when it is my failure to faithfully carry the word of grace and mercy to them; when I have neglected to take up my calling to serve them and instruct them on the proper path of a disciple of the Kingdom? Lord, forgive me and do not let others suffer because of my sin and failure to be obedient to You.