This prayer was composed by Shlomo ben Yehuda, HaBavli

Our God, and God of our fathers!

Even if our iniquities are great and magnified, if their testimony against us is strong like woven strands of rope, creating a separation between us; let Your ways of compassion not be withheld from us.

You affirmed to govern with kindliness, and You have always been, from of old. Remember Your community that You acquired; take pity on the remnant of those [Israel] whom You called Your first born.

You carried us [up high] to the city [Jerusalem] and implanted us there. You caused us to dwell [in the city] built of strong and mighty stones. Abruptly You cast us down to a place [where our enemies] [attack us] like serpents. Bring forth the relief that we await.

The many [evil] episodes and dreadful panic have caused my soul to abhor life. [My life has become] loathsome as dirt. Support our bodies, dragged to the ground. Awaken, why do You slumber?³ You are our [only] hope!

footnotes: ³ See previous note.

Open [Your eyes,] remove our shackles, call to Your imprisoned ones with affection. Hurry, shorten their sentence of oppression; gather Your dispersed ones, Your scattered flock; when they see [Your deliverance,] the mouths of the unjust will close [in shame].

Preserve the oath of kindness, and the stipulation You made with the perfect one [Jacob], with [Isaac], whose ashes are on the Altar, and with the builder of the Altar [Abraham], all of whom were mighty in their trust in You. Command Your peace with us that we be not disgraced; turn about and change the evil time for good.

Jacob [the nation of Israel] is small and poor. We are known to be ill, despised and worthless. Grant them life and kindness; be their stronghold and tower. And even now, let Your power of deliverance be magnified.

Almighty! King! Who sits on the throne of mercy, governs with kindness forgives the iniquities of His people. He removes their sins one by one, increasing forgiveness to sinners, and pardon to transgressors. Acting righteously with all who are of flesh and spirit; not according to their wickedness does He repay them. Almighty! You instructed us to recite the thirteen Divine attributes; remember unto us this day the covenant of thirteen Divine attributes, as You made them known to the humble Moses of old, as it is written, “And Adonoy descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the Name, Adonoy.

Congregation and Chazzan:

And Adonoy passed before him [Moses], and proclaimed:

Adonoy, Adonoy, Almighty, Merciful, Gracious, Slow to Anger, and Abundant in Kindness, and Truth. Keeper of kindness for thousands of generations, Endurer of iniquity, and transgression, and sin; and Acquitter of those who repent. “And pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us for Your inheritance.”

Pardon us our Father, for we have sinned, forgive us our King, for we have transgressed. “For You, my Master, are good and forgiving, and abounding in kindness to all who call upon You.”

Even for the ways of Your judgements, Adonoy, we hope for You. The greatness of Your Name and Your mention is our soul’s desire. We hope for You, Adonoy, turn to us and hear our cry. And now, what is our hope, Adonoy? Our yearning is for You[r deliverance]. Only for God does our soul yearn; from Him will come our deliverance. As the stag cries out in thirst for the springs of water, so do our souls cry out in thirst for You, O God. [May] only good and kindness pursue us all the days of our lives, and we shall dwell in the House of Adonoy for long days.

As a father has compassion on his children so do You have compassion on us, Adonoy. Deliverance is Adonoy’s; upon Your people is Your blessing. Selah! Adonoy of Hosts is with us, a stronghold for us is the God of Jacob. Selah! Adonoy of Hosts! fortunate is the man who trusts in You. Adonoy, deliver us; the King will answer us on the day we call.

“Please pardon the sins of this nation in accordance with the greatness of Your lovingkindness; and as You forgave this people from when it left Egypt until now.” And there it is said:

“And Adonoy said, I have pardoned [them] as you have asked.”

Incline Your ear, my God, and hear, open Your eyes and behold our desolate places, and the city which is called by Your Name; for it is not on account of our righteousness that we let fall our supplication before You, but because of Your great mercy. My Master, hear! My Master, pardon! My Master, listen and take action, do not delay! For Your sake, my God, because Your Name is proclaimed over Your city and over Your people.