11 Please, Lord, for the sakeof your reputation,keep your agreement with us,and someday set us free.
12 You loved Abraham;Isaac obeyed you,and you chose Jacob.For their sakes, don't takeyour mercy from us.
13 You promised to give themmore descendantsthan there are stars in the skyor grains of sand on a beach.
14 But we sinned,and so we have becomethe smallest nation.We are ashamed
15 because we have no rulers,no prophets, no leaders.We have no incense, no altar,and no sacrifices to please youor to ask for your mercy.
16 But if we are humbleand truly sorry for our sins,
17 you will accept usas if we had offereda thousand rams and bullsand ten thousand fat lambs.You never disappoint thosewho trust you, Lord.We want to be your followers,so please answer our prayer.