March 13, 2012, Reading

A Reading from the Book of the Prophet Daniel   3: 25, 34-43

3:25 Then Azariah, while standing, prayed in this manner, and opening his mouth in the midst of the fire, he said:
3:34 Do not hand us over forever, we ask you, because of your name, and do not abolish your covenant.
3:35 And do not withdraw your mercy from us, because of Abraham, your beloved, and Isaac, your servant, and Israel, your holy one.
3:36 You have spoken with them, promising that you would multiply their offspring like the stars of heaven and like the sand on the seashore.
3:37 For we, O Lord, are diminished more than all other peoples, and we are brought low throughout all the earth, this day, because of our sins.
3:38 Neither is there, at this time, a leader, or a ruler, or a prophet, nor any holocaust, or sacrifice, or oblation, or incense, or place of first fruits, in your eyes,
3:39 so that we may be able to find your mercy. Nevertheless, with a contrite soul and humble spirit, let us be accepted.
3:40 Just as in the holocausts of rams and bullocks, and as in thousands of fat lambs, so let our sacrifice be in your sight this day, in order to please you. For there is no shame for those who trust in you.
3:41 And now we follow you wholeheartedly, and we fear you, and we seek your face.
3:42 Do not put us to shame, but deal with us in agreement with your clemency and according to the multitude of your mercies.
3:43 And rescue us by your wonders and give glory to your name, O Lord.

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