2 Esdras 8:17

17 Therefore I will pray before thee for myself and for them, for I see the failings of us who dwell in the land,

2 Esdras 8:17 In-Context

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: