23. While the sacrifices were burning, the priests prayed, the priests and all the people. Jonathan took the lead while the others, including Nehemiah, responded.
24. The prayer went like this:Lord, Lord God, creator of all,you are fearsome, mighty,just, and merciful.You are the only kingand only generous one.
25. You are the only provider,the only just, almighty, and eternal one.You save Israel from all evil.You chose the patriarchsand made them holy.
26. Receive this sacrifice on behalf of all your people Israel. Guard your portion and make it holy.
27. Gather together our scattered people, free the ones enslaved among the nations, watch over those who are despised and loathed, and let the nations know that you are our God.
28. Punish the oppressors and those who commit arrogant acts of violence.
29. Plant your people in your holy place, just as Moses said.
30. The priests sang the hymns.
31. When the elements of the sacrifice were consumed, Nehemiah commanded them to pour the remaining liquid on larger stones.
32. When this happened, a flame flared up on these stones. But it went out in the presence of the light shining from the altar.
33. When this situation became known, it was reported to the king of the Persians that in the place where the exiled priests hid the fire, a liquid appeared from which Nehemiah’s followers purified the elements of the sacrifice.
34. After fencing off the place and declaring it holy, the king examined the matter.