“If someone wrongs another person, he will be brought to the altar in this Temple. If he swears an oath that he is not guilty, then hear in heaven. Judge the case, punish the guilty, but declare that the innocent person is not guilty.
“When your people, the Israelites, sin against you, their enemies will defeat them. But if they come back to you and praise you and pray to you in this Temple, then listen from heaven. Forgive the sin of your people Israel, and bring them back to the land you gave to them and their ancestors.
“When they sin against you, you will stop the rain from falling on their land. Then they will pray, facing this place and praising you; they will stop sinning when you make them suffer. When this happens, hear their prayer in heaven, and forgive the sins of your servants, the Israelites. Teach them to do what is right. Then please send rain to this land you have given particularly to them.
“At times the land will get so dry that no food will grow, or a great sickness will spread among the people. Sometimes the crops will be destroyed by locusts or grasshoppers. Your people will be attacked in their cities by their enemies, or will become sick. When any of these things happens, the people will become truly sorry. If your people spread their hands in prayer toward this Temple, then hear their prayers from your home in heaven. Forgive and treat each person as he should be treated because you know what is in a person’s heart. Only you know what is in people’s hearts. Then the people will respect and obey you as long as they live in this land you gave our ancestors.
“People who are not Israelites, foreigners from other lands, will hear about your greatness and power. They will come from far away to pray at this Temple. Then hear from your home in heaven, and do whatever they ask you. Then people everywhere will know you and respect you, just as your people Israel do. Then everyone will know that I built this Temple as a place to worship you.
“When your people go out to fight their enemies along some road on which you send them, your people will pray to you, facing this city which you have chosen and the Temple I have built for you. Then hear in heaven their prayers, and do what is right.
“Everyone sins, so your people will also sin against you. You will become angry with them and will hand them over to their enemies. Their enemies will capture them and take them away to a country far or near. Your people will be sorry for their sins when they are held as prisoners in another country. They will be sorry and pray to you in the land where they are held as prisoners, saying, ‘We have sinned. We have done wrong and acted wickedly.’ They will truly turn back to you in the land where they are captives. They will pray, facing this land you gave their ancestors, this city you have chosen, and the Temple I have built for you. Then hear their prayers from your home in heaven and do what is right. Forgive your people who have sinned against you.
“Now, my God, look at us. Listen to the prayers we pray in this place.
Now, rise, LORD God, and come to your resting place.
Come with the Ark of the Agreement that shows your strength.
Let your priests receive your salvation, LORD God,
and may your holy people be happy because of your goodness.
LORD God, do not reject your appointed one.
Remember your love for your servant David.”