At the time of the evening sacrifice, I was still sitting there in sorrow with my clothes all torn. So I got down on my knees, then lifted my arms, and prayed: I am much too ashamed to face you, LORD God. Our sins and our guilt have swept over us like a flood that reaches up to the heavens. Since the time of our ancestors, all of us have sinned. That's why we, our kings, and our priests have often been defeated by other kings. They have killed some of us and made slaves of others; they have taken our possessions and made us ashamed, just as we are today. But for now, LORD God, you have shown great kindness to us. You made us truly happy by letting some of us settle in this sacred place and by helping us in our time of slavery. We are slaves, but you have never turned you back on us. You love us, and because of you, the kings of Persia have helped us. It's as though you have given us new life! You let us rebuild the temple and live safely in Judah and Jerusalem.
The great sin Ezra is making reference to is the people intermarrying with the nations which is against God's Covenant. He states what he knows and that is that the people have offended a holy God and have not been loyal to God's Covenant even though the Lord has acted in lovingkindness. He confesses the sins of his people and gives credit to God for what he has done for his people and credits him with loyal love. Ezra would rather fall into the hands of a loving and loyal God than into the hands of evil men.
Daily Prayer: Lord God, you are truely compassionate on your own people and all nations. It is as Jesus says, "My father brings rain on the righteous and sinners alike." It is as Ezra says, which is we need new life so that we can set our old life and priorities of the world aside. Lord, help me acomplish this for your sake and for my benefit. In your holy name I pray Amen.
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