The Prayer Of Manasses
King Of Judah, When He Was Held Captive In Babylon
What is the book The Prayer of Manasses about?
The Prayer of Manasseh is a short book of the Bible found in the Old Testament Apocrypha. It is a prayer of repentance by King Manasseh of Judah, who was one of the most wicked kings in the Bible. Manasseh had done many evil things, including sacrificing his own son to false gods. In his prayer, Manasseh acknowledges his sins and asks for God’s forgiveness. He promises to turn away from his wickedness and follow God’s laws. He also asks for God’s mercy and protection.
The Prayer of Manasseh is a powerful reminder of the power of repentance and the mercy of God. It shows us that no matter how far we have strayed from God, He is always willing to forgive us and restore us to a right relationship with Him. It also reminds us that we should never give up hope, no matter how deep our sins may be. We can always pray to God and ask for His forgiveness and mercy.
The text of The Prayer of Manasses
1 O LORD Almighty in heaven, God of our fathers Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and of their righteous offspring,
2 you who have made heaven and earth, with all their order,
3 who have bound the sea by the word of your commandment, who have shut up the deep, and sealed it by your terrible and glorious name,
4 whom all things fear, yes, tremble before your power,
5 for the majesty of your glory can’t be borne, and the anger of your threatening toward sinners is unbearable.
6 Your merciful promise is unmeasurable and unsearchable,
7 for you are the Lord Most High, of great compassion, patient and abundant in mercy, and relent at human suffering.
8 You, O Lord, according to your great goodness have promised repentance and forgiveness to those who have sinned against you. Of your infinite mercies, you have appointed repentance to sinners, that they may be saved. You therefore, O Lord, who are the God of the just, have not appointed repentance to the just, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, which have not sinned against you, but you have appointed repentance to me who am a sinner.
9 For I have sinned more than the number of the sands of the sea. My transgressions are multiplied, O Lord, my transgressions are multiplied, and I am not worthy to behold and see the height of heaven for the multitude of my iniquities.
10 I am bowed down with many iron bands, so that I can’t lift up my head by reason of my sins, neither have I any relief; for I have provoked your wrath, and done that which is evil before you: I didn’t do your will, neither did I keep your commandments. I have set up abominations, and have multiplied detestable things.
11 Now therefore I bow the knee of my heart, asking you for grace.
12 I have sinned, O Lord, I have sinned, and I acknowledge my iniquities;
13 but, I humbly ask you, forgive me, O Lord, forgive me, and please don’t destroy me with my iniquities. Don’t be angry with me forever, by reserving evil for me. Don’t condemn me into the lower parts of the earth. For you, O Lord, are the God of those who repent.
14 In me you will show all your goodness, for you will save me, who am unworthy, according to your great mercy.
15 Then I will praise you forever all the days of my life; for all the army of heaven sings your praise, and yours is the glory forever and ever. Amen.
The Prayer of Manasses is recognized as Deuterocanonical Scripture by the Greek Orthodox and Russian Orthodox Churches.
