2 Esdras 8:19-36

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

¹⁹ Therefore hear my voice and understand my words, and I will speak before you.”

Ezra’s Prayer

The beginning of the words of Ezra’s prayer,^[a] before he was taken up. He said:^{(A) 20} “O Lord, you who inhabit eternity,^[b] whose eyes^[c] 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^{(B) 22} and at whose command they are changed to wind and fire,^[d] whose word is sure and whose utterances are certain, whose command is strong and whose ordinance is terrible,^{(C) 23} whose look dries up the depths and whose indignation makes the mountains melt away, and whose truth is established^[e] forever^(D)— ²⁴ hear, O Lord, the prayer of your servant, and give ear to the petition of your 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. ²⁶ O do not look on the sins of your people but on those who serve you in truth. ²⁷ Do not take note of the endeavors of those who act wickedly but of the endeavors of those who have kept your covenants amid afflictions.^{(E) 28} Do not think of those who have lived wickedly in your sight, but remember those who have willingly acknowledged that you are to be feared.^{(F) 29} Do not will the destruction of those who have the ways of cattle, but regard those who have gloriously taught your law.^{[f] 30} Do not be angry with those who are deemed worse than wild animals, but love those who have always put their trust in your glory. ³¹ For we and our ancestors have passed our lives in ways that bring death,^[g] but it is because of us sinners that you are called merciful.^{(G) 32} For if you have desired to have pity on us, who have no works of righteousness, then you will be called merciful.^{(H) 33} For the righteous, who have many works laid up with you, shall receive their reward in consequence of their own deeds.^{(I) 34} But what are mortals that you are angry with them, or what is a corruptible race that you are so bitter against it? ³⁵ For in truth there is no one among those who have been born who has not acted wickedly; among those who have existed there is no one who has not done wrong.^{(J) 36} For in this, O Lord, your righteousness and goodness will be declared: when you are merciful to those who have no store of good works.”^(K)