15
And now I will speak out: About all mankind thou knowest best; but I will speak about thy people, for whom I am grieved,
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,
21
whose throne is beyond measure and whose glory is beyond comprehension, before whom the hosts of angels stand trembling
22
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,
23
whose look dries up the depths and whose indignation makes the mountains melt away, and whose truth is established for ever --
24
hear, O Lord, the prayer of thy servant, and give ear to the petition of thy creature; attend to my words.
25
For as long as I live I will speak, and as long as I have understanding I will answer.