13. You told themyou would give them descendants,as many as the stars of the skyand the grains of sand beside the sea.
14. Look, Lord, we have become smaller than any other nation.We are disgraced now in front of everybody because of our sins.
15. In this time we have no ruleror prophet or leader,no entirely burned offering or sacrifice, no special gift or incense,no place to bring gifts to youand find mercy.
16. Accept us, please, with our crushed souls and humble spirits,as if we brought entirely burned offerings of rams and bulls,as if we brought tens of thousandsof fat lambs.
17. May this be the kind of offering we make in your presence today,and may we follow you completely,since no shame will come to those who come to terms with you.
18. Now we follow you with our hearts,honor you, and seek your presence.
19. Don’t put us to shame!Instead, deal with us in linewith your kindness and great mercy.
20. As you have worked wonders before,so rescue us now!Build up your reputation, Lord!
21. Let all who mistreat your servantsbe humiliated.Let them be put to shameand lose all their authority;may their strength be smashed.
22. Let them know that you aloneare the Lord God,more honoredthan anyone else in the world.
23. Now the king’s aides, who had thrown them into the furnace, were constantly feeding the fire with petroleum, tar, kindling, and dry sticks.
24. Flame shot out of the furnace to a height of more than seventy feet,