19. Therefore hear my voice, and understand my saying, and I will speak before you. The beginning of the words of Esdras, before he was taken up. And he said,
20. O Lord, you that abidest for ever, whose eyes are exalted, and whose chambers are in the air;
21. whose throne is inestimable; whose glory may not be comprehended; before whom the hosts of angels stand with trembling,
22. at whose bidding they are changed to wind and fire; whose word is sure, and sayings constant; whose ordinance is strong, and commandment fearful;
23. whose look dries up the depths, and whose indignation makes the mountains to melt away, and whose truth bears witness:
24. hear, O Lord, the prayer of your servant, and give ear to the petition of your handiwork;
25. attend to my words, for so long as I live I will speak, and so long as I have understanding I will answer.
26. O look not upon the sins of your people; but on them that have served you in truth,
27. Regard not the doings of them that deal wickedly, but of them that have kept your covenants in affliction.
28. Think not upon those that have walked feignedly before you; but remember them which have willingly known your fear.
29. Let it not be your will to destroy them which have lived like cattle; but look upon them that have clearly taught your law.
30. Take you no indignation at them which are deemed worse than beasts; but love them that have always put their trust in your glory.
31. For we and our fathers have passed our lives in ways that bring death: but you because of us sinners are called merciful.
32. For if you have a desire to have mercy upon us, then shall you be called merciful, to us, namely, that have no works of righteousness.
33. For the just, which have many good works laid up with you, shall for their own deeds receive reward.
34. For what is man, that you should take displeasure at him? or what is a corruptible race, that you should be so bitter toward it?
35. For in truth there is no man among them that be born, but he has dealt wickedly; and among them that have lived there is none which have not done amiss.
36. For in this, O Lord, your righteousness and your goodness shall be declared, if you be merciful to them which have no store of good works.