23. then hear ⌊that person⌋ in heaven, take action, and make a decision.Repay the guilty person with the proper punishment,but declare the innocent person innocent.
24. “An enemy may defeat your people Israelbecause they have sinned against you.But when your people turn, praise your name, pray,and plead with you in this temple,
25. then hear ⌊them⌋ in heaven, forgive the sins of your people Israel,and bring them back to the landthat you gave to them and their ancestors.
26. “When the sky is shut and there’s no rainbecause they are sinning against youand they pray toward this place, praise your name,and turn away from their sin because you made them suffer,
27. then hear ⌊them⌋ in heaven.Forgive the sins of your servants, your people Israel.Teach them the proper way to live.Then send rain on the land,which you gave to your people as an inheritance.
28. “There may be famine in the land.Plant diseases, heat waves, funguses, locusts,or grasshoppers may destroy crops.Enemies may blockade Israel’s city gates.During every plague or sickness
29. ⌊hear⌋ every prayer for mercymade by one person or by all the people in Israel,all who know suffering or pain,who stretch out their hands toward this temple.
30. Hear ⌊them⌋ in heaven, where you live.Forgive ⌊them⌋, and give each person the proper reply.(You know what is in their hearts,because you alone know what is in people’s hearts.)
31. Then, as long as they live in the land that you gave to our ancestors,they will fear you and follow you.
32. “People who are not Israeliteswill come from distant countries because of your great name,mighty hand, and powerful arm.When they come to pray facing this temple,
33. then hear ⌊them⌋ in heaven, the place where you live.Do everything they ask youso that all the people of the world may know your nameand fear you like your people Israeland learn that this temple which I built bears your name.
34. “When your people go to war against their enemies(wherever you may send them)and they pray to you toward this city you have chosenand the temple I built for your name,
35. then hear their prayer for mercy in heaven,and do what is right ⌊for them⌋.
36. “They may sin against you.(No one is sinless.)You may become angry with them and hand them over to an enemywho takes them to ⌊another⌋ country as captives,⌊whether it is⌋ far or near.
37. If they come to their senses,are sorry for what they’ve done,and plead with you in the land where they are captives,saying, ‘We have sinned. We have done wrong.We have been wicked,’
38. if they change their attitude toward youin the land where they are captives,if they pray to youtoward the land that you gave their ancestors,and the city you have chosen,and the temple I have built for your name,