² in the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, was studying the Scriptures and reflecting on the seventy years that, according to the word of the Lord to the prophet Jeremiah, had to pass before the desolation of Jerusalem would come to an end.

³ Then I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in earnest prayer, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes. ⁴ I prayed to the Lord, my God, and made this confession, saying:

Lord, Have Mercy.^[a] “O Lord, great and awesome God, you who keep your covenant and show your steadfast love to those who love you and observe your commandments: Read full chapter