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Therefore I will pray before thee for myself and for them, for I see the failings of us who dwell in the land,
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and I have heard of the swiftness of the judgment that is to come.
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Therefore hear my voice, and understand my words, and I will speak before thee." The beginning of the words of Ezra's prayer, before he was taken up. He said:
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"O Lord who inhabitest eternity, whose eyes are exalted and whose upper chambers are in the air,
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whose throne is beyond measure and whose glory is beyond comprehension, before whom the hosts of angels stand trembling
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and at whose command they are changed to wind and fire, whose word is sure and whose utterances are certain, whose ordinance is strong and whose command is terrible,
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whose look dries up the depths and whose indignation makes the mountains melt away, and whose truth is established for ever --
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hear, O Lord, the prayer of thy servant, and give ear to the petition of thy creature; attend to my words.
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For as long as I live I will speak, and as long as I have understanding I will answer.
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O look not upon the sins of thy people, but at those who have served thee in truth.
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Regard not the endeavors of those who act wickedly, but the endeavors of those who have kept thy covenants amid afflictions.