So I turned my attention to the Lord God to implore him by prayer and requests, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes.

“So now, our God, accept the prayer and requests of your servant, and show favor to your devastated sanctuary for your own sake.

At the beginning of your requests a message went out, and I have come to convey it to you, for you are of great value in God’s sight. Therefore consider the message and understand the vision:

Listen attentively, my God, and hear! Open your eyes and look on our desolated ruins and the city called by your name. For it is not because of our own righteous deeds that we are praying to you, but because your compassion is abundant.