16
and about thy inheritance, for whom I lament, and about Israel, for whom I am sad, and about the seed of Jacob, for whom I am troubled.
17
Therefore I will pray before thee for myself and for them, for I see the failings of us who dwell in the land,
18
and I have heard of the swiftness of the judgment that is to come.
19
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:
20
"O Lord who inhabitest eternity, whose eyes are exalted and whose upper chambers are in the air,
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.