18 “Does God really live on earth with people?If heaven itself, the highest heaven, cannot hold you,then how can this temple that I have built?
19 Nevertheless, my Lord God, please pay attention to my prayer for mercy.Listen to my cry for help as I pray to you.
20 Day and night may your eyes be on this temple,the place about which you said your name will be there.Listen to me as I pray toward this place.
21 Hear the plea for mercythat your people Israel and I pray toward this place.Hear us in heaven, the place where you live.Hear and forgive.
22 “If anyone sins against another personand is required to take an oathand comes to take the oath in front of your altar in this temple,
23 then hear ⌊that person⌋ in heaven, take action, and make a decision.Repay the guilty person with the proper punishment,but declare the innocent person innocent.
24 “An enemy may defeat your people Israelbecause they have sinned against you.But when your people turn, praise your name, pray,and plead with you in this temple,