“It is not because
Of any righteous deeds
Of our ancestors,
Or our kings
That we bring
Before you
Our prayer
For mercy.
O Lord our God!
You have sent
Your anger
With your wrath
Upon us.
You declared
By your servants
The prophets.”
They had not served God. Their ancestors, their kings, and they themselves had not done righteous deeds. However, they were willing to bring their prayer for mercy to their Lord God. They knew that he had sent his anger and wrath upon them through his servants and prophets.