The Book of Ezra
Chapter 6
¹ Then King Darius made a decree, and they searched the archives where the documents were stored in Babylon.
(The Book of Ezra Chapter 6 verse 1)
Oh God my beloved Father many times we make declarations without having proof or reliable proof to sustain our arguments. As a consequence people tend to get hurt and maybe even scarred for life. I pray for such people that You may give them the healing that they require Amen.
² But it was in Ecbatana, the capital in the province of Media, that a scroll was found on which this was written: "A record. ³ In the first year of his reign, King Cyrus issued a decree; Concerning the house of God at Jerusalem, let the house be rebuilt, the place where the sacrifices are offered and burnt offerings are brought; its height shall be sixty cubits and its width sixty cubits, ⁴ with three courses of hewn stones and one course of timber; let the cost be paid from the royal treasury.
(The Book of Ezra Chapter 6 verses 2 to 4)
Oh God, my Father, I pray that more important parts of scripture are found today, which continue to enlighten us on the way of life that we are to be living. Amen.
⁵ Moreover let the gold and silver vessels of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took out of the temple in Jerusalem and brought to Babylon, be restored and brought back to the temple in Jerusalem, each to its place; you shall put them in the house of God."
(The Book of Ezra Chapter 6 verse 5)
Oh God my blessed Father many times vessels such as chalices have been stolen from the church, however in time You disclose their whereabouts in order for them to be restored back, however for me You are my chalice the covenant of love between me and You and even though at times I am not faithful to it because I am still a frail sinner, I know that from Your end You still love me and keep me in Your sight and under Your care at all times. Thank You Jesus Amen.
⁶ "Now you, Tattenai, governor of the province Beyond the River, Shetharbozenai, and you, their associates, the envoys in the province Beyond the River, keep away; ⁷ let the work on this house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews rebuild this house of God on its site.
(The Book of Ezra Chapter 6 verses 6 to7)
Oh God, my Father, I consider this biblical verse as a personal admonition. I feel angry at the Pope for yesterdays announcement regarding the proposed changes in the prayer that You Yourself gave us. I feel that they do not have a right to do so, however, if You are motivating the Roman Catholic Church by means of the Holy Spirit by means of Pope Francesco, who am I to object and therefore like Tattenai I am to let the elder of the Roman Catholic Church continue building on-site Amen.
⁸ Moreover I make a decree regarding what you shall do for these elders of the Jews for the rebuilding of this house of God; the cost is to be paid to these people, in full and without delay, from the royal revenue, the tribute of the province Beyond the River.
(The Book of Ezra Chapter 6 verse 8)
Oh God my Father You are my champion and my vindicator, You save me from the mouths and jaws of the jackals and the wolves that are ready to attack me. Right now I am surrounded by hungry wolves who are waiting for the right moment when I am found in my weakest position in order to make their final attack. I pray for Your constant protection, my God and Father Amen.
⁹ Whatever is needed-young bulls, rams, or sheep for burnt offerings to the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine, or oil, as the priests in Jerusalem require-let that be given to them day by day without fail, ¹⁰ so that they may offer pleasing sacrifices to the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king and his children.
(The Book of Ezra Chapter 6 verses 9 to 10)
Oh God my Father during these times, these were the items needed in order to offer sacrifices to You, however in 2019 this is not the case, however You still appreciate if we find time to share with You in prayer and in devoting time of giving good service to those in need or maybe giving from the gifts talents and even financial means that You have generously given to us Amen.
¹¹ Furthermore I decree that if anyone alters this edict, a beam shall be pulled out of the house of the perpetrator, who then shall be impaled on it. The house shall be made a dunghill.
(The Book of Ezra Chapter 6 verse 11)
Oh God, my Father, lately there has been a proposal to alter the one and only prayer that You have given us. I pray that You do not permit this to take place Amen.
¹² May the God who has established his name there overthrow any king or people that shall put forth a hand to alter this, or to destroy this house of God in Jerusalem. I Darius make a decree: let it be done with all diligence."
(The Book of Ezra Chapter 6 verse 12)
Oh God my blessed Father, may we also consider Your decrees as being unalterable, such as decrees regarding marriage and that nobody can declare that a marriage never existed Amen.
¹³ Then, according to the word sent by King Darius, Tattenai, the governor of the province Beyond the River, Shetharbozenai, and their associates did with all diligence what King Darius had ordered.
(The Book of Ezra Chapter 6 verse 13)
Oh God, my Father if the subjects of King Darius carried out their orders with diligence we are to do the same with much energy and motivation and not with dragging of feet. I pray that we consider our spiritual wellbeing as a serious issue of concern and take measures in order to address and sustain it Amen.
¹⁴ So the elders of the Jews built and prospered, through the prophesying of the prophet Haggai and Zechariah son of Iddo. They finished their building by command of the God of Israel and by the decree of Cyrus, Darius and King Artaxerxes of Persia; ¹⁵ and this house was finished on the third day of the month of Adar, in the sixth year of the reign of King Darius.
(The Book of Ezra Chapter 6 verses 14 to 15)
Oh God my beloved Father, when the rulers of the world unite in obedience with Your way, the results are outstanding. Therefore tonight I pray for unity among world rulers so that in a spirit of unity we would then be ready to be united in fulfilling Your ways my God and Father Amen.
¹⁶ The people of Israel, the priests and the Levites, and the rest of the returned exiles, celebrated the dedication of this house of God with joy.
(The Book of Ezra Chapter 6 verse 16)
Oh God my Father when we experience separation from You and then are reunited our happiness is complete, however, when we meet You every day in time we may start taking You for granted. I pray that my joy and happiness in You and with You is always renewed Amen.
¹⁷ They offered at the dedication of this house of God one hundred bulls, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs, and as a sin offering for all Israel, twelve male goats, according to the number of the tribes of Israel.
(The Book of Ezra Chapter 6 verse 17)
Oh God, my Father, I thank You for reminding me of the need of confession, for lately, I have not been to confess my sins. I pray that You make me more aware of them since due to my separation from my wife, my life has become more peaceful and stable. Amen.
¹⁸ Then they set the priests in their divisions and the Levites in their courses for the service of God at Jerusalem, as it is written in the book of Moses.
(The Book of Ezra Chapter 6 verse 18)
Oh God my Father, I thank You for the structure and hierarchy that You have given to the Roman Catholic Church and to other churches. I pray that You bless us with more priests in order to continue being of service in our spiritual walk towards Heaven our home Amen.
¹⁹ On the fourteenth day of the first month the returned exiles kept the Passover. ²⁰ For both the priests and the Levites had purified themselves; all of them were clean. So they killed the Passover Lamb for all the returned exiles, for their fellow priests, and for themselves.
(The Book of Ezra Chapter 6 verses 19 to 20)
Oh God my Father, brothers and sisters, many times challenging experiences such as the loss of a loved one, or separation makes us think about our past and reflect to the point of seeking confession and our souls feel renewed. I pray for those of us who are making a fresh experience of their faith in a more profound and intimate way Amen.
²¹ It was eaten by the people of Israel who had returned from exile, and also by all who had joined them and separated themselves from the pollutions of the nations of the land to worship the LORD, the God of Israel. ²² With joy they celebrated the festival of unleavened bread seven days; for the LORD had made them joyful, and had turned the heart of the king of Assyria to them, so that he aided them in the work on the house of God, the God of Israel.
(The Book of Ezra Chapter 6 verses 21 to 22)
Oh God, my Father I would like to conclude this meditation on the sixth chapter of the Book of Ezra with the following prayer:
I pray today for anybody who is experiencing a crisis in his belief in God that they reflect on their previous life and reflect on the good works that God has changed into their favour. On the other hand, I pray for those who have recently made a new experience in their relationship with God, so that they remain open to the Holy Spirit and never resist his ways. I also pray for those who consider themselves as being, convinced Roman Catholics so that they evaluate if they are really true believers or if they are still believing as a habit or to be socially accepted or for other reasons Amen. I pray that we all reflect on our reasons for believing in You my God and Father and I hope that we all find good reasons so that our faith will continue to be strengthened Amen. May God bless us all and help us keep the flame of faith burning now and forever.
² But it was in Ecbatana, the capital in the province of Media, that a scroll was found on which this was written: "A record. ³ In the first year of his reign, King Cyrus issued a decree; Concerning the house of God at Jerusalem, let the house be rebuilt, the place where the sacrifices are offered and burnt offerings are brought; its height shall be sixty cubits and its width sixty cubits, ⁴ with three courses of hewn stones and one course of timber; let the cost be paid from the royal treasury.
(The Book of Ezra Chapter 6 verses 2 to 4)
Oh God, my Father, I pray that more important parts of scripture are found today, which continue to enlighten us on the way of life that we are to be living. Amen.
⁵ Moreover let the gold and silver vessels of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took out of the temple in Jerusalem and brought to Babylon, be restored and brought back to the temple in Jerusalem, each to its place; you shall put them in the house of God."
(The Book of Ezra Chapter 6 verse 5)
Oh God my blessed Father many times vessels such as chalices have been stolen from the church, however in time You disclose their whereabouts in order for them to be restored back, however for me You are my chalice the covenant of love between me and You and even though at times I am not faithful to it because I am still a frail sinner, I know that from Your end You still love me and keep me in Your sight and under Your care at all times. Thank You Jesus Amen.
⁶ "Now you, Tattenai, governor of the province Beyond the River, Shetharbozenai, and you, their associates, the envoys in the province Beyond the River, keep away; ⁷ let the work on this house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews rebuild this house of God on its site.
(The Book of Ezra Chapter 6 verses 6 to7)
Oh God, my Father, I consider this biblical verse as a personal admonition. I feel angry at the Pope for yesterdays announcement regarding the proposed changes in the prayer that You Yourself gave us. I feel that they do not have a right to do so, however, if You are motivating the Roman Catholic Church by means of the Holy Spirit by means of Pope Francesco, who am I to object and therefore like Tattenai I am to let the elder of the Roman Catholic Church continue building on-site Amen.
⁸ Moreover I make a decree regarding what you shall do for these elders of the Jews for the rebuilding of this house of God; the cost is to be paid to these people, in full and without delay, from the royal revenue, the tribute of the province Beyond the River.
(The Book of Ezra Chapter 6 verse 8)
Oh God my Father You are my champion and my vindicator, You save me from the mouths and jaws of the jackals and the wolves that are ready to attack me. Right now I am surrounded by hungry wolves who are waiting for the right moment when I am found in my weakest position in order to make their final attack. I pray for Your constant protection, my God and Father Amen.
⁹ Whatever is needed-young bulls, rams, or sheep for burnt offerings to the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine, or oil, as the priests in Jerusalem require-let that be given to them day by day without fail, ¹⁰ so that they may offer pleasing sacrifices to the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king and his children.
(The Book of Ezra Chapter 6 verses 9 to 10)
Oh God my Father during these times, these were the items needed in order to offer sacrifices to You, however in 2019 this is not the case, however You still appreciate if we find time to share with You in prayer and in devoting time of giving good service to those in need or maybe giving from the gifts talents and even financial means that You have generously given to us Amen.
¹¹ Furthermore I decree that if anyone alters this edict, a beam shall be pulled out of the house of the perpetrator, who then shall be impaled on it. The house shall be made a dunghill.
(The Book of Ezra Chapter 6 verse 11)
Oh God, my Father, lately there has been a proposal to alter the one and only prayer that You have given us. I pray that You do not permit this to take place Amen.
¹² May the God who has established his name there overthrow any king or people that shall put forth a hand to alter this, or to destroy this house of God in Jerusalem. I Darius make a decree: let it be done with all diligence."
(The Book of Ezra Chapter 6 verse 12)
Oh God my blessed Father, may we also consider Your decrees as being unalterable, such as decrees regarding marriage and that nobody can declare that a marriage never existed Amen.
¹³ Then, according to the word sent by King Darius, Tattenai, the governor of the province Beyond the River, Shetharbozenai, and their associates did with all diligence what King Darius had ordered.
(The Book of Ezra Chapter 6 verse 13)
Oh God, my Father if the subjects of King Darius carried out their orders with diligence we are to do the same with much energy and motivation and not with dragging of feet. I pray that we consider our spiritual wellbeing as a serious issue of concern and take measures in order to address and sustain it Amen.
¹⁴ So the elders of the Jews built and prospered, through the prophesying of the prophet Haggai and Zechariah son of Iddo. They finished their building by command of the God of Israel and by the decree of Cyrus, Darius and King Artaxerxes of Persia; ¹⁵ and this house was finished on the third day of the month of Adar, in the sixth year of the reign of King Darius.
(The Book of Ezra Chapter 6 verses 14 to 15)
Oh God my beloved Father, when the rulers of the world unite in obedience with Your way, the results are outstanding. Therefore tonight I pray for unity among world rulers so that in a spirit of unity we would then be ready to be united in fulfilling Your ways my God and Father Amen.
¹⁶ The people of Israel, the priests and the Levites, and the rest of the returned exiles, celebrated the dedication of this house of God with joy.
(The Book of Ezra Chapter 6 verse 16)
Oh God my Father when we experience separation from You and then are reunited our happiness is complete, however, when we meet You every day in time we may start taking You for granted. I pray that my joy and happiness in You and with You is always renewed Amen.
¹⁷ They offered at the dedication of this house of God one hundred bulls, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs, and as a sin offering for all Israel, twelve male goats, according to the number of the tribes of Israel.
(The Book of Ezra Chapter 6 verse 17)
Oh God, my Father, I thank You for reminding me of the need of confession, for lately, I have not been to confess my sins. I pray that You make me more aware of them since due to my separation from my wife, my life has become more peaceful and stable. Amen.
¹⁸ Then they set the priests in their divisions and the Levites in their courses for the service of God at Jerusalem, as it is written in the book of Moses.
(The Book of Ezra Chapter 6 verse 18)
Oh God my Father, I thank You for the structure and hierarchy that You have given to the Roman Catholic Church and to other churches. I pray that You bless us with more priests in order to continue being of service in our spiritual walk towards Heaven our home Amen.
¹⁹ On the fourteenth day of the first month the returned exiles kept the Passover. ²⁰ For both the priests and the Levites had purified themselves; all of them were clean. So they killed the Passover Lamb for all the returned exiles, for their fellow priests, and for themselves.
(The Book of Ezra Chapter 6 verses 19 to 20)
Oh God my Father, brothers and sisters, many times challenging experiences such as the loss of a loved one, or separation makes us think about our past and reflect to the point of seeking confession and our souls feel renewed. I pray for those of us who are making a fresh experience of their faith in a more profound and intimate way Amen.
²¹ It was eaten by the people of Israel who had returned from exile, and also by all who had joined them and separated themselves from the pollutions of the nations of the land to worship the LORD, the God of Israel. ²² With joy they celebrated the festival of unleavened bread seven days; for the LORD had made them joyful, and had turned the heart of the king of Assyria to them, so that he aided them in the work on the house of God, the God of Israel.
(The Book of Ezra Chapter 6 verses 21 to 22)
Oh God, my Father I would like to conclude this meditation on the sixth chapter of the Book of Ezra with the following prayer:
I pray today for anybody who is experiencing a crisis in his belief in God that they reflect on their previous life and reflect on the good works that God has changed into their favour. On the other hand, I pray for those who have recently made a new experience in their relationship with God, so that they remain open to the Holy Spirit and never resist his ways. I also pray for those who consider themselves as being, convinced Roman Catholics so that they evaluate if they are really true believers or if they are still believing as a habit or to be socially accepted or for other reasons Amen. I pray that we all reflect on our reasons for believing in You my God and Father and I hope that we all find good reasons so that our faith will continue to be strengthened Amen. May God bless us all and help us keep the flame of faith burning now and forever.
