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therefore will I begin to pray before Thee for myself and for them, for I see the failings of us that dwell in the land.
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But I have heard the swiftness of the Judge which is to come.
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Therefore hear my voice and understand my words, and I shall speak before Thee." This is the beginning of the words of Ezra, before he was taken up. And I said:
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"O Lord, Thou that dwellest in everlastingness, who beholdest from above things in the heaven and in the air,
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whose throne is inestimable, whose glory may not be comprehended, before whom the hosts of angels stand with trembling,
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whose service is conversant in wind and fire, whose word is true and sayings constant, whose commandment is strong and ordinance fearsome,
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whose look drieth up the depths and indignation maketh the mountains to melt away, which the truth witnesseth:
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O hear the prayer of Thy servant, and give ear to the petition of Thy creature.
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For while I live I will speak, and so long as I have understanding I will answer.
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O look not upon the sins of Thy people, but on them that serve Thee in truth.
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Regard not the wicked inventions of the heathen, but the desire of those that keep Thy testimonies in afflictions.