Brothers and sisters: The Spirit comes to the aid of our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes with inexpressible groanings.

There is no god besides you who have the care of all,/ that you need show you have not unjustly condemned./ For your might is the source of justice;/ your mastery over all things makes you lenient to all./ For you show your might when the perfection of your power is disbelieved;/ and in those who know you, you rebuke temerity./ But though you are master of might, you judge with clemency,/ and with much lenience you govern us;/ for power, whenever you will, attends you./ And you taught your people, by these deeds,/ that those who are just must be kind;/ and you gave your children good ground for hope/ that you would permit repentance for their sins.

Woe to those who plan iniquity,/ and work out evil on their couches;/ In the morning light they accomplish it/ when it lies within their power./ They covet fields, and seize them;/ houses, and they take them;/ They cheat an owner of his house,/ a man of his inheritance./ Therefore thus says the Lord:/ Behold, I am planning against this race an evil/ from which you shall not withdraw your necks;/ Nor shall you walk with head high,/ for it will be a time of evil.

“O Lord, remember how faithfully and wholeheartedly I conducted myself in your presence, doing what was pleasing to you!” And Hezekiah wept bitterly.