²³ Whatever is ^[a]commanded by the God of heaven, let it be done with zeal for the house of the God of heaven, ^(A)so that there will not be wrath against the kingdom of the king and his sons.

^7 (A)Seek the ^[a]welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and ^(B)pray to the Lord on its behalf; for in its ^[b]welfare you will have ^[c]welfare.’

A Call to Prayer

2 First of all, then, I urge that ^(A)entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, ^2 (B)for kings and all who are in ^[a]authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and ^[b]dignity.