Nehemiah’s Prayer

⁴ When I heard these words, I sat down and wept. I mourned for a number of days, fasting and praying^(A) before the God of the heavens.^{(B) 5} I said,^(C)

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

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