Ezra’s prayer is similar to Daniel's (Daniel 9:4–19) and Nehemiah's (Nehemiah 9:5–38). It includes a general confession (Ezra 9:6), a history of the sins of former times (Ezra 9:8–9), a further confession of sin (Ezra 9:10–12), and a final confession of guilt and an appeal (Ezra 9:13–15).1
What is interesting about his prayer is that it does not contain an explicit petition, a request for provision, or an appeal for forgiveness. It seems to be only a confession.2 However, there is a suggestion in Ezra 9:14 that Ezra pleads with God not to be angry with his people. Though this is not an explicit request for mercy, it does at the very least seem to be implied.
6 saying:“O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift my face to you, my God, for our iniquities have risen higher than our heads, and our guilt has mounted up to the heavens.