Nehemiah 1:5-11

Christian Standard Bible

⁵ I said,^(A)

Lord, the God of the heavens, the great and awe-inspiring God who keeps his gracious covenant with those who love him^(B) and keep his commands,^{(C) 6} let your eyes be open and your ears be attentive^(D) to hear your servant’s prayer that I now pray to you day and night^(E) for your servants, the Israelites. I confess the sins^[a] we have committed against you. Both I and my father’s family have sinned.^{(F) 7} We have acted corruptly toward you and have not kept the commands, statutes, and ordinances you gave your servant Moses.^{(G) 8} Please remember what you commanded your servant Moses: “If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the peoples.^{(H) 9} But if you return to me and carefully observe my commands, even though your exiles were banished to the farthest horizon,^[b] I will gather them from there and bring them to the place where I chose to have my name dwell.”^{(I) 10} They are your servants and your people. You redeemed them by your great power and strong hand.^{(J) 11} Please, Lord, let your ear be attentive^(K) to the prayer of your servant and to that of your servants who delight to revere your name. Give your servant success today,^(L) and grant him compassion in the presence of this man.^[c](M)

At the time, I was the king’s cupbearer.^(N)