This short work of only 15 verses purports to be the penitential prayer of the Judean king Manasseh, who is recorded in the Bible as one of the most idolatrous (2 Kings 21:1-18). However, after having been taking captive by the Assyrians, he prays for mercy (2 Chronicles 33:10-17) and turns from his idolatrous ways. The Prayer of Manasseh is chanted during the Orthodox Christian service of Great Compline.