For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;

But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

Now therefore, O our God, hear the prayer of thy servant, and his supplications, and cause thy face to shine upon thy sanctuary that is desolate, for the Lord's sake. O my God, incline thine ear, and hear; open thine eyes, and behold our desolations, and the city which is called by thy name: for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousnesses, but for thy great mercies. O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, hearken and do; defer not, for thine own sake, O my God: for thy city and thy people are called by thy name.