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²Then Azariah stood still in the fire and prayed aloud:
¹¹ For your name’s sake do not give us up for ever,
   and do not annul your covenant.
¹²   Do not withdraw your mercy from us,
for the sake of Abraham your beloved
   and for the sake of your servant Isaac
   and Israel your holy one,
¹³ to whom you promised
   to multiply their descendants like the stars of heaven
   and like the sand on the shore of the sea.
¹⁴ For we, O Lord, have become fewer than any other nation,
   and are brought low this day in all the world because of our sins.
¹⁵ In our day we have no ruler, or prophet, or leader,
   no burnt-offering, or sacrifice, or oblation, or incense,
   no place to make an offering before you and to find mercy.
¹⁶ Yet with a contrite heart and a humble spirit may we be accepted,
¹⁷   as though it were with burnt-offerings of rams and bulls,
   or with tens of thousands of fat lambs;
   such may our sacrifice be in your sight today,
   and may we unreservedly follow you,^*
   for no shame will come to those who trust in you.
¹⁸ And now with all our heart we follow you;
   we fear you and seek your presence.
¹⁹ Do not put us to shame,
   but deal with us in your patience
   and in your abundant mercy.
²⁰ Deliver us in accordance with your marvellous works,
   and bring glory to your name, O Lord.

²⁰ Daniel said:
‘Blessed be the name of God from age to age,
   for wisdom and power are his.
²¹ He changes times and seasons,
   deposes kings and sets up kings;
he gives wisdom to the wise
   and knowledge to those who have understanding.
²² He reveals deep and hidden things;
   he knows what is in the darkness,
   and light dwells with him.
²³ To you, O God of my ancestors,
   I give thanks and praise,
for you have given me wisdom and power,
   and have now revealed to me what we asked of you,
   for you have revealed to us what the king ordered.’