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Good News [1976], GOOD NEWS BIBLE WITH DEUTEROCANONICALS / APOCRYPHA Today's English Version (AMERICAN BIBLE SOCIETY, New York) [word count] [B15000].
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THE PRAYER OF MANASSEH The Prayer of Manasseh is a beautiful short prayer of repentance. It is presented as a prayer by Manasseh, the wicked king of Judah, referred to in 2 Chronicles 33.12, 18, 19.

1   
Lord Almighty, God of our fathers,
  God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob,
  God of their righteous descendants, note

2   
you created the universe
  and all the splendor that fills it.

3   
The sea obeys your command
  and never overflows its bounds.
The power of your wonderful, glorious name
  keeps the ocean depths in their place.

4   
When you show your power,
  all creation trembles.

5   
Your glorious splendor is overwhelming,
  and your anger is more than sinners can endure.

6   
But the mercy you promise is also greater
  than we can understand or measure.

7   
For you are the Lord Most High;
  you are patient and show mercy and compassion.
You make our punishment easier to bear
  when we suffer for our sins.
O Lord, in your great goodness and mercy
  you promise forgiveness and salvation
  to those who repent of their sin against you. note

8   
You, Lord, are the God of righteous people.
  Repentance was not necessary
  for Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob,
  for they did not sin against you.
But for sinners like me
  you have made repentance possible.

9   
I have committed more sins
  than there are grains of sand along the seashore.
They are so many, Lord, they are so many.
I have done so much that is wrong
  that I am not worthy to turn my face toward heaven. note

10   
I am crushed beneath the weight of my sin; note
  I am bowed down by its heavy iron chain.
  I can find no relief,
  for I have made you angry.
  I have set up idols everywhere;
  I have done what you hate.

11   
But now I bow in deep humility,
  praying for your mercy.

12   
I have sinned, Lord, I have sinned;
  I confess the wicked things I have done.

13   
I beg you, Lord, I earnestly pray:
  forgive me, forgive me.
Do not destroy me because of my sins;
  do not stay angry with me forever
  or store up punishment for me.
Do not condemn me to the world of the dead,

-- --


  for you, O Lord, forgive those who repent.

14   
Show me all your mercy and kindness and save me,
  even though I do not deserve it.

15   
Then I will go on praising you as long as I live.
All the heavenly powers sing your praises,
  and your glory endures forever. Amen.

-- --

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Good News [1976], GOOD NEWS BIBLE WITH DEUTEROCANONICALS / APOCRYPHA Today's English Version (AMERICAN BIBLE SOCIETY, New York) [word count] [B15000].
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