⁴ When I heard these things, I sat down and cried for several days. I was sad and fasted. I prayed to the God of heaven, ⁵ “Lord, God of heaven, you are the great God who is to be respected. You are loyal, and you keep your agreement with those who love you and obey your commands. ⁶ Look and listen carefully. Hear the prayer that I, your servant, am praying to you day and night for your servants, the Israelites. I confess the sins we Israelites have done against you. My father’s family and I have sinned against you.