2 Esdras 5:15-25

15 But the angel who had come and talked with me held me and strengthened me and set me on my feet.
16 Now on the second night Phaltiel, a chief of the people, came to me and said, "Where have you been? And why is your face sad?
17 Or do you not know that Israel has been entrusted to you in the land of their exile?
18 Rise therefore and eat some bread, and do not forsake us, like a shepherd who leaves the flock in the power of savage wolves."
19 Then I said to him, "Go away from me and do not come near me for seven days; then you may come to me." He heard what I said and left me.
20 So I fasted seven days, mourning and weeping, as the angel Uriel had commanded me.
21 After seven days the thoughts of my heart were very grievous to me again.
22 Then my soul recovered the spirit of understanding, and I began once more to speak words in the presence of the Most High.
23 I said, "O sovereign Lord, from every forest of the earth and from all its trees you have chosen one vine,
24 and from all the lands of the world you have chosen for yourself one region, and from all the flowers of the world you have chosen for yourself one lily,
25 and from all the depths of the sea you have filled for yourself one river, and from all the cities that have been built you have consecrated Zion for yourself,

Footnotes 1

New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, 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.