Nehemiah 1:4-6

New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised

⁴ When I heard these words I sat down and wept, and mourned for days, fasting and praying before the God of heaven. ⁵ I said, ‘O Lord God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments; ⁶ let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer of your servant that I now pray before you day and night for your servants the people of Israel, confessing the sins of the people of Israel, which we have sinned against you. Both I and my family have sinned.