4 No one has ever seen or heard of a God like you, who does such deeds for those who put their hope in him.
5 You welcome those who find joy in doing what is right, those who remember how you want them to live. You were angry with us, but we went on sinning; in spite of your great anger we have continued to do wrong since ancient times.
6 All of us have been sinful; even our best actions are filthy through and through. Because of our sins we are like leaves that wither and are blown away by the wind.
7 No one turns to you in prayer; no one goes to you for help. You have hidden yourself from us and have abandoned us because of our sins.
8 But you are our father, Lord. We are like clay, and you are like the potter. You created us,
9 so do not be too angry with us or hold our sins against us forever. We are your people; be merciful to us.
10 Your sacred cities are like a desert; Jerusalem is a deserted ruin,