Letters

⁸ Pray, therefore, to God for them, and beseech Him to enable them to say such things as the holy Azariah, whom we have mentioned, poured forth along with other expressions in his prayer and confession before God. For in the land of their captivity these women are in circumstances similar to those of the three Hebrew youths in that land in which they could not sacrifice to the Lord their God in the manner prescribed: they cannot either bring an oblation to the altar of God, or find a priest by whom their oblation may be presented to God.

May God therefore grant them grace to say to Him what Azariah said in the following sentences of his prayer: “Neither is there at this time prince, or prophet, or leader, or burnt-offering, or sacrifice, or oblation, or incense, or place to sacrifice before You, and to find mercy: nevertheless, in a contrite heart and humble spirit let us be accepted. Like as in the burnt-offerings of rams and bullocks, and like as in ten thousands of fat lambs, so let our sacrifice be in Your sight this day.

And grant that we may wholly go after You; for they shall not be confounded that put their trust in You. And now we follow You with all our heart: we fear You and seek Your face. Put us not to shame, but deal with us after Your loving-kindness, and according to the multitude of Your mercies. Deliver us also according to Your marvellous works, and give glory to Your name, O Lord; and let all them that do Your servants hurt be ashamed: and let them be confounded in all their power and might, and let their strength be broken: and let them know that You are Lord, the only God, and glorious over the whole world.”