A reading from the book of Nehemiah.

The words of Nehemiah, the son of Hecaliah.

Now it happened in the month of Kislev, in the 20th year, as I was in Susa the citadel,

that Hanani, one of my brothers, came with certain men from Judah,

and I asked them concerning the Jews who

escaped, who had survived the exile, and concerning Jerusalem. And they said to me,

the remnant there in the province who had survived the exile is in great trouble and shame.

The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates are destroyed

by fire.

As soon as I heard these words, I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued

fasting and praying before the God of heaven.

And I said, O Lord God of heaven, the great and awesome God

who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments. Let your

ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer of your servant that I now pray before you

day and night for the people

of Israel your servants, confessing the sins of the people of Israel, which we have sinned

against you.

Even I and my Father's house have sinned.

We have acted very corruptly against you and have not kept the commandments, the statutes,

and the rules that you commanded your servant Moses. Remember the word that you commanded your

servant Moses, saying, if you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the peoples. But if you return to me and keep my commandments and do them,

though your outcasts are in the uttermost parts of heaven,

...