Nehemiah 1:7-11

7We have done wicked things against you. We have not obeyed the commands, the laws and the rules that you gave to your servant Moses.

8Remember what you told your servant, Moses. You told him, “If the Israelites turn away from me, I will make them live among foreign people in many different places.

9But if they return to me and they obey my commands, I will be kind to them. I will bring them back together again from all the different places where they are living. Even if they live far away, I will find them. I will bring them to the place that I have chosen to give honour to my name.”

10Lord, these are your people and your servants. You used your great power and strength to rescue them.

11Please listen to my prayer, my Lord. Hear the prayers of your people who love to respect your name. Please cause the king to be kind to me. May he give me what I ask for.’ I was the king's cupbearer.