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¹ The words of Nehemiah^(C1) son of Hacaliah:

News from Jerusalem

During the month of Chislev^(C2) in the twentieth year,^(C3) when I was in the fortress city of Susa,^{(C4) 2} Hanani,^(C1) one of my brothers, arrived with men from Judah, and I questioned them about Jerusalem and the Jewish remnant^(C2) that had survived the exile.^{(C3) 3} They said to me, “The remnant in the province,^(C1) who survived the exile, are in great trouble and disgrace. Jerusalem’s wall has been broken down, and its gates have been burned.”^(C2)

Nehemiah’s Prayer

⁴ When I heard these words, I sat down and wept. I mourned for a number of days, fasting and praying^(C1) before the God of the heavens.^{(C2) 5} I said,^(C1)

Lord, the God of the heavens, the great and awe-inspiring God who keeps his gracious covenant with those who love him^(C2) and keep his commands,^{(C3) 6} let your eyes be open and your ears be attentive^(C1) to hear your servant’s prayer that I now pray to you day and night^(C2) for your servants, the Israelites. I confess the sins^(F1) we have committed against you. Both I and my father’s family have sinned.^{(C3) 7} We have acted corruptly toward you and have not kept the commands, statutes, and ordinances you gave your servant Moses.^{(C1) 8} Please remember what you commanded your servant Moses: “If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the peoples.^{(C1) 9} But if you return to me and carefully observe my commands, even though your exiles were banished to the farthest horizon,^(F1) I will gather them from there and bring them to the place where I chose to have my name dwell.”^{(C1) 10} They are your servants and your people. You redeemed them by your great power and strong hand.^{(C1) 11} Please, Lord, let your ear be attentive^(C1) to the prayer of your servant and to that of your servants who delight to revere your name. Give your servant success today,^(C2) and grant him compassion in the presence of this man.^(F1)(C3)