The Bible Plus - The Prayer of Azarias

EXTRA BIBLICAL TEXT - The Prayer of Azarias was not included in the Cannon of the scriptures as it was not considered, by biblical scholars, as 'entirely inspired' by the Holy Spirit or the texts did not reveal the will of God through pure standards of biblical interpretation.

However, these books do include inspired spiritual instructions, revelations, and passages as-well-as excellent reference material for world history and human interaction of their time.

These texts should not be taken as 'the Word of God' as we have come to accept and know the cannon of scripture, but these books are a vital and very necessary look at the history and education for a greater understanding of biblical times, events, and cultures which are not revealed to us from the 'accepted' sixty-six books of the current cannon of inspired scriptures.

The Prayer of Azarias is a part of the scriptures found in the apocryphal book of Daniel (also known as the Greek version of Daniel). It tells the story of Azarias, one of three Jewish captives who refused to bow down to King Nebuchadnezzar's golden statue and were thrown into a fiery furnace.

In the story, Azarias prays to God, acknowledging his sins and the sins of his people, and asking for forgiveness and deliverance from the flames. He praises God's power and mercy and asks for his holy name to be praised forever.

The prayer ends with the three captives being miraculously saved from the furnace and Nebuchadnezzar acknowledging the power of the God of Israel. The Prayer of Azarias is often included in the liturgy of various Christian denominations, including the Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Anglican churches. It is seen as a powerful expression of humility, repentance, and trust in God's mercy and grace.