Ezra’s Prayer

When I heard this, I rent my undergarment and my mantle, I pulled hair from my head and beard and sat down appalled.

Then all those who trembled at the words of the God of Israel …gathered around me as I sat astounded until the evening sacrifice.

At the evening sacrifice I arose from my depression, and, having rent my undergarment and my mantle, I fell on my knees and spread out my hands to the Lord my God,

Saying, O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift my face to You, my God, for our iniquities have risen higher than our heads and our guilt has mounted to the heavens.

Now, O our God, what can we say after this? For we have forsaken Your commands (from Ezra 9:3-10, AMP)

We don’t hear Ezra’s prayer quoted too often because it hits us where we really live. When we ask Jesus into our lives, we are forgiven for our sin. However that doesn’t mean that we can continue to live as we like.

In what area of your life is God calling you to obedience?

Prayer – Lord, we are appalled at our sin, astounded at our audacity for continuing in it and we blush with shame when we try to look you in the face. Forgive us. Help us walk in your ways. For Christ. Amen