The king responded, “What is it you are seeking?” Then I quickly prayed to the God of heaven

So we prayed to our God and stationed a guard to protect against them both day and night.

When I heard these things I sat down abruptly, crying and mourning for several days. I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven.

may your ear be attentive and your eyes be open to hear the prayer of your servant that I am praying to you today throughout both day and night on behalf of your servants the Israelites. I am confessing the sins of the Israelites that we have committed against you – both I myself and my family have sinned.