“Now bless
The God of all!
He works everywhere!
What great wonders!
He fosters our growth
From birth!
He deals with us
According to his mercy!
May he give us
Gladness of heart!
May there be peace
In our days in Israel!
As in the days of old!
May he entrust to us
His mercy!
May he deliver us
In our days!”
Sirach then inserts the prayer of Simon, the high priest. Simon prays that the God of all will bless the Israelites. God works great wonders. This merciful God fosters our growth from birth. He gladdens our heart. May he bring peace to Israel today and deliver Israel from its enemies, as in the old days. Thus it is a simple straightforward prayer for mercy today.
Eugene Finnegan Bible Project 