2 Esdras 8:17-32
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17 Therefore will I begin to pray before thee for myself and for them: for I see the falls of us that dwell in the land.
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18 But I have heard the swiftness of the judge which is to come.
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19 Therefore hear my voice, and understand my words, and I shall speak before thee. This is the beginning of the words of Esdras, before he was taken up: and I said,
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20 O Lord, thou that dwellest in everlastingness which beholdest from above things in the heaven and in the air;
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21 Whose throne is inestimable; whose glory may not be comprehended; before whom the hosts of angels stand with trembling,
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22 Whose service is conversant in wind and fire; whose word is true, and sayings constant; whose commandment is strong, and ordinance fearful;
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23 Whose look drieth up the depths, and indignation maketh the mountains to melt away; which the truth witnesseth:
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24 O hear the prayer of thy servant, and give ear to the petition of thy creature.
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25 For while I live I will speak, and so long as I have understanding I will answer.
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26 O look not upon the sins of thy people; but on them which serve thee in truth.
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27 Regard not the wicked inventions of the heathen, but the desire of those that keep thy testimonies in afflictions.
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28 Think not upon those that have walked feignedly before thee: but remember them, which according to thy will have known thy fear.
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29 Let it not be thy will to destroy them which have lived like beasts; but to look upon them that have clearly taught thy law.
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30 Take thou no indignation at them which are deemed worse than beasts; but love them that always put their trust in thy righteousness and glory.
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31 For we and our fathers do languish of such diseases: but because of us sinners thou shalt be called merciful.
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32 For if thou hast a desire to have mercy upon us, thou shalt be called merciful, to us namely, that have no works of righteousness.