Nehemiah 1

He Wept, and Then He Prayed and Fasted

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The Words of Neemias

1:1The words of Neemias son of Achalia. In the month of Chaseelou, in the twentieth year, I was in Sousan abira,

1:2and Anani, one of my brothers, came, he and men of Judah. I asked them about those who had been saved, who remained from the captivity, and about Jerusalem.

1:3They said to me, “The remaining people who were left from the captivity there in the country are in great distress and disgrace. Jerusalem’s walls have been pulled down, and its gates have been set ablaze with fire.”

Neemias Mourns and Prays

1:4When I heard these words, I sat down and wept, and mourned for days. I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven,

1:5and said, “No, I pray, Lord, God of heaven, the Mighty One, the Great and Fearsome, who keeps the covenant and mercy for those who love Him and keep His commandments:

1:6let Your ear be attentive and Your eyes opened to hear Your servant’s prayer, which I pray before You today, day and night, for the sons of Israel, Your servants. I confess concerning the sins of the sons of Israel that we have sinned against You. I and my father’s house have sinned.

1:7We have utterly broken faith with You, and have not kept the commandments, ordinances and judgments that You commanded Moses Your servant.

1:8Please remember the word that You commanded Moses Your servant, saying, ‘If you break covenant, I will scatter you among the peoples;

1:9and if you turn back to Me, keep My commandments and do them, even if your dispersed people are at the farthest edge of heaven, I will gather them from there and bring them into the place I chose for My name to dwell there.’

1:10They are Your servants and Your people, whom You redeemed by Your great power and Your mighty hand.

1:11No, I pray, Lord! But let Your ear be attentive to Your servant’s prayer and to the prayer of Your servants who wish to fear Your name. Please grant Your servant success today, and give him compassion before this man.” Now I was the king’s wine-pourer.

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Saints Translation · Liturgical reading edition · V1 · working draft awaiting specialist review.