PRAYER OF MANASSEH

What makes Prayer of Manasseh special?

This beautiful prayer is recognized as Scripture only by some Eastern Orthodox churches. Jewish, Roman Catholic, and Protestant traditions do not regard the prayer as belonging in their "canon," the collection of writings considered to be authoritative. Even so, its strong expression of faith and devotion to God have helped many readers deal with the problem of sin in their lives, and find a helpful model for turning back to God.

Why was Prayer of Manasseh written?

PRAYER OF MANASSEH was written to provide the missing words of the prayer of the sinful King Manasseh of Judah mentioned in 2 Chronicles 33:12-19. The prayer is a typical example of a Jewish prayer that asks for God's forgiveness. It emphasizes God's power as creator and God's mercy as the one who forgives sin. The book promises that those who give up sin and turn back to God will receive God's mercy. For more, see the mini-article called "Prayers of Confession."

What's the story behind the scene?

Manasseh was king of Judah from 687 to 642 B.C. and has been called the most wicked of the kings of Israel and Judah. Second Kings 21 describes his terrible sins but does not mention that Manasseh ever turned back to God. However, 2 Chronicles 33.1-20 offers more information. After accusing Manasseh of wickedness, verses 11-13 report that Manasseh is taken captive by the Assyrians and carried off to Babylon where he asks God for forgiveness. When he returns to Jerusalem he works hard to restore faithful worship of God in Israel (verses 14-20).

There is no authentic record of the words of Manasseh's prayer for forgiveness. But the Prayer of Manasseh as we have it most likely is the work of a faithful Jew living in the second or first century B.C. In it, the author is presenting what Manasseh might have said in such a prayer.

How is Psalm 151 constructed?

This prayer can be divided into two main sections:

The Lord God All-Powerful has promises to show mercy (1-7)

Manasseh confesses his sins and begs for forgiveness (8-15)