10 so that they may offer sacrifices pleasing to the God of heaven and pray for the well-being of the king and his sons.(A)

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When I heard these things, I sat down and wept.(A) For some days I mourned and fasted(B) and prayed before the God of heaven. Then I said:

Lord, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God,(C) who keeps his covenant of love(D) with those who love him and keep his commandments, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear(E) the prayer(F) your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel. I confess(G) the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father’s family, have committed against you. We have acted very wickedly(H) toward you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws you gave your servant Moses.

“Remember(I) the instruction you gave your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter(J) you among the nations, but if you return to me and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather(K) them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name.’(L)

10 “They are your servants and your people, whom you redeemed by your great strength and your mighty hand.(M) 11 Lord, let your ear be attentive(N) to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor(O) in the presence of this man.”

I was cupbearer(P) to the king.

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16 Lord, in keeping with all your righteous acts,(A) turn away(B) your anger and your wrath(C) from Jerusalem,(D) your city, your holy hill.(E) Our sins and the iniquities of our ancestors have made Jerusalem and your people an object of scorn(F) to all those around us.

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for kings and all those in authority,(A) that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness(B) and holiness.

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