R. Yishmael ben Elisha said: Once, I entered to offer ketoret (incense) in the Holy of Holies. And I saw Akatriel Yah, God of Hosts, Who was sitting on a high and lofty throne.

God said to me, “Yishmael, My son, bless Me!”

I said to God, “Let it be Your will that Your mercy will conquer Your anger, and Your mercy should roll over Your attributes, and You should act toward Your children with the attribute of mercy, and enter for them beyond the letter of the law.”

And God nodded God’s head.