Prayer of Jesus, Sirach’s son
1 I will give thanks to you, Lord and King, and I will praise you, God my savior. I give thanks to your name,
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because you have been my protector and helper. You have rescued my body from destruction, from the trap set by a slanderous tongue, from lips that fabricate lies. In the presence of those who stood around me,
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you were my helper. In line with your abundant mercy and your great name, you rescued me from grinding teeth prepared to devour me, from the power of those who wanted to take my life, from the many troubles that I have had,
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from choking fire all around me, from the midst of a fire that I didn't start,
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from the depths of the belly of the grave, and from a polluted tongue and lying words,
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as well as the arrowlike tongue of the unrighteous. My soul approached death, and my life was on the edge of the grave below.
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People surrounded me on every side, and no one helped; I looked for assistance from human beings, and there was none.
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Then I remembered your mercy, Lord, and your charity from long ago, that you raise up those who wait for you and save them from the hands of the wicked.
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I sent up my prayer from the earth, and I begged to be rescued from death.
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I called out to the Lord, the father of my master: "Don't desert me in the time of my distress, when I am helpless before the arrogant.
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I will praise your name continually, and I will sing thanksgiving hymns." My prayer was heard,
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because you saved me from destruction and you rescued me from an evil time. For this, I will give thanks, praise you, and bless the Lord's name.