Traditional Hebraic Prayer Summary
Thus far we have taken a very high level approach to Hebrew prayer and focused initially upon the core prayers (The Shema; The Amidah and The Aseret Hadiberot) … and we could assuredly see the direct connection to "ritual prayer" which points us toward the Holy Service and the Temple where G_D places his holy Name.
In delving a bit deeper into the "Shema" we hopefully could see how this great prayer, utilized in Hebraic tradition for both communal and individual prayer, in so very many ways encapsulates the unique relationship between G_D and his chosen people Israel.
What we could discern from review of the prayer is that Shema incorporates the following:
Ultimately the Shema leads us to one inevitable conclusion: G_D has determined to restore order throughout his glorious creation and for his reasons and the sake of his own great Name he has determined to utilize the chosen people Israel as an integral element of this restoration.
We thus see in the Shema this great exhortation from G_D to his chosen people to "hear" … to "get it" … to "be it" … because the importance of being chosen is not so much in the selection but rather in the response to being selected.
We should intuitively perceive however that because of this unique relationship between G_D and Israel, that the Shema is undoubtedly near and dear to the very soul of every faithful Jew. And because of the declarations contained within Shema Israel, we can with zero difficulty see why this prayer is the most esteemed prayer in the Hebrew tradition.
But our foray into the realm of ritual prayer did not end with the Shema and our attention was turned to the Amidah, the standing prayer, wherein we were exposed to the "traditional litany" of the Temple Holy Service.
Upon review of the Amidah we could see how the prayer itself contained a variety of themes: G_D's Revelation to Israel and his nature; Man's state before G_D; Temporal Supplications; and finally Thanksgiving & Hope. We should have discerned as well how the Amidah itself, viewed in traditional Hebraic thought as "one prayer", serves as a form of Aliyah with the people praying their way virtually through an individual and collective life journey.
Let’s once again recap the Amidah while thinking in very discrete steps:
Step 1-Attesting to the identity of G_D … the G_D who has revealed himself to humanity and all creation as the G_D of the patriarchs … the matriarchs … the G_D of Israel;
Step 2-Acknowledging G_D’s glory and his power over life, death … all things! G_D can and does resurrect the dead;
Step 3- Attesting to the holiness of G_D … even his very Name;
Step 4-Submitting to G_D as being the source of all true knowledge and wisdom;
Step 5-Repenting and cleaving to Torah as a sign of repentance and spurning the ways of the world;
Step 6-Confession of sin and forgiveness;
Step 7-Seeking Redemption/Adoption into the inheritance … Kingdom Israel;
Step 8-Request for healing and bearing witness to our dependency upon G_D;
Step 9-Thankfulness for the sustenance/blessings provided by G_D;
Step 10-Fellowship and the in-gathering of the dispersed/wayward brethren;
Step 11-Walking in Torah with G_D and each other … producing a righteous environment;
Step 12-Standing as a light against the darkness of this world (olam hazeh);
Step 13-Blessing and supporting those people that abide by the everlasting covenant;
Step 14-Awaiting the re-building up of Jerusalem;
Step 15-Awaiting in all hope for Mashiach’s appearance and reign;
Step 16-Acceptance of prayers;
Step 17-Restoring of the Holy Service;
Step 18-Receiving Salvation;
Step 19-Living in everlasting peace before the face of G_D
When we view the Amidah in conjunction with the Shema … what we see is the stark reality of life that is associated with the great covenantal relationship defined by Shema Yisrael. In the Amidah we see the struggles as well as the very hopes and dreams of the Jewish people come to life … we see their vision of restoration responsive to the great prayer of Solomon:
2 Chronicles (6:1 - 7:3) Then spoke Solomon: The LORD hath said that he would dwell in the thick darkness. But I have built thee a house of habitation, and a place for thee to dwell in forever. And the king turned his face, and blessed all the congregation of Israel; and all the congregation of Israel stood. And he said: 'Blessed be the LORD, the G_D of Israel, who spoke with His mouth unto David my father, and hath with His hands fulfilled it, saying: Since the day that I brought forth my people out of the land of Egypt, I chose no city out of all the tribes of Israel to build a house in, that my name might be there; neither chose I any man to be prince over my people Israel; but I have chosen Jerusalem, that my name might be there; and have chosen David to be over my people Israel. Now it was in the heart of David my father to build a house for the name of the LORD, the G_D of Israel. But the LORD said unto David my father: Whereas it was in thy heart to build a house for my name, thou didst well that it was in thy heart; nevertheless thou shalt not build the house, but thy son that shall come forth out of thy loins, he shall build the house for my name. And the LORD hath established His word that he spoke; for I am risen up in the room of David my father, and sit on the throne of Israel, as the LORD promised, and have built the house for the name of the LORD, the G_D of Israel. And there have I set the ark, wherein is the covenant of the LORD, which he made with the children of Israel.' And he stood before the altar of the LORD in the presence of all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands-- for Solomon had made a brazen scaffold, of five cubits long, and five cubits broad, and three cubits high, and had set it in the midst of the court; and upon it he stood, and kneeled down upon his knees before all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven-- and he said: 'O LORD, the G_D of Israel, there is no G_D like thee, in the heaven, or in the earth; who keeps covenant and mercy with thy servants, that walk before thee with all their heart; who hast kept with thy servant David my father that which thou didst promise him; yea, thou spoke with thy mouth, and hast fulfilled it with thy hand, as it is this day. Now therefore, O LORD, the G_D of Israel, keep with thy servant David my father that which thou hast promised him, saying: There shall not fail thee a man in my sight to sit on the throne of Israel; if only thy children take heed to their way, to walk in my law as thou hast walked before me. Now therefore, O LORD, the G_D of Israel, let thy word be verified, which thou spoke unto thy servant David. But will G_D in very truth dwell with men on the earth? Behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house which I have built! Yet have thou respect unto the prayer of thy servant, and to his supplication, O LORD my G_D, to hearken unto the cry and to the prayer which thy servant prays before thee; that thine eyes may be open toward this house day and night, even toward the place whereof thou hast said that thou would put thy name there; to hearken unto the prayer which thy servant shall pray toward this place. And hearken thou to the supplications of thy servant, and of thy people Israel, when they shall pray toward this place; yea, hear thou from thy dwelling-place, even from heaven; and when thou hears, forgive. If a man sin against his neighbor, and an oath be exacted of him to cause him to swear, and he come and swear before thine altar in this house; then hear thou from heaven, and do, and judge thy servants, requiting the wicked, to bring his way upon his own head; and justifying the righteous, to give him according to his righteousness. And if thy people Israel be smitten down before the enemy, when they sin against thee, and shall turn again and confess thy name, and pray and make supplication before thee in this house; then hear thou from heaven, and forgive the sin of thy people Israel, and bring them back unto the land which thou gave to them and to their fathers.
When the heaven is shut up, and there is no rain, when they sin against thee; if they pray toward this place, and confess thy name, turning from their sin, when thou dost afflict them; then hear thou in heaven, and forgive the sin of thy servants, and of thy people Israel, when thou dost direct them on the good way wherein they should walk; and send rain upon thy land, which thou hast given to thy people for an inheritance. If there be in the land famine, if there be pestilence, if there be blasting or mildew, locust or caterpillar; if their enemies besiege them in the land of their cities; whatsoever plague or whatsoever sickness there be; what prayer and supplication so ever be made by any man, or by all thy people Israel, who shall know every man his own plague and his own pain, and shall spread forth his hands toward this house; then hear thou from heaven thy dwelling-place, and forgive, and render unto every man according to all his ways, whose heart thou knows--for thou, even thou only, knows the hearts of the children of men-- that they may fear thee, to walk in thy ways, all the days that they live in the land which thou gave unto our fathers. Moreover concerning the stranger, that is not of thy people Israel, when they shall come out of a far country for thy great name's sake, and thy mighty hand, and thine outstretched arm; when they shall come and pray toward this house; then hear thou from heaven, even from thy dwelling-place, and do according to all that the stranger calls to thee for; that all the peoples of the earth may know thy name, and fear thee, as doth thy people Israel, and that they may know that thy name is called upon this house which I have built. If thy people go out to battle against their enemies, by whatsoever way thou shalt send them, and they pray unto thee toward this city which thou hast chosen, and the house which I have built for thy name; then hear thou from heaven their prayer and their supplication, and maintain their cause. If they sin against thee--for there is no man that sins not--and thou be angry with them, and deliver them to the enemy, so that they carry them away captive unto a land far off or near; yet if they shall bethink themselves in the land whither they are carried captive, and turn, and make supplication unto thee in the land of their captivity, saying: We have sinned, we have done iniquitously, and have dealt wickedly; if they return unto thee with all their heart and with all their soul in the land of their captivity, whither they have carried them captive, and pray toward their land, which thou gave unto their fathers, and the city which thou hast chosen, and toward the house which I have built for thy name; then hear thou from heaven, even from thy dwelling-place, their prayer and their supplications, and maintain their cause; and forgive thy people who have sinned against thee. Now, O my G_D, let, I beseech thee, thine eyes be open, and let thine ears be attentive, unto the prayer that is made in this place. Now therefore arise, O LORD G_D, into thy resting-place, thou, and the ark of thy strength; let thy priests, O LORD G_D, be clothed with salvation, and let thy saints rejoice in good. O LORD G_D, turn not away the face of thine anointed; remember the good deeds of David thy servant.'
Now when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt-offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the LORD filled the house. And the priests could not enter into the house of the LORD, because the glory of the LORD filled the LORD'S house. And all the children of Israel looked on, when the fire came down, and the glory of the LORD was upon the house; and they bowed themselves with their faces to the ground upon the pavement, and prostrated themselves, and gave thanks unto the LORD; 'for he is good, for His mercy endures forever.'
Yes dear reader … today and every other day faithful Jews around the world … in synagogues and homes, face towards Jerusalem the holy city and recite the Amidah knowing that their long suffering hope of restoration will come to pass … because … G_D is faithful. Because G_D heard and approved Solomon's prayer and G_D keeps his promises.
Ultimately then we see in the Amidah an almost tactical response to Israel's failure in upholding the great everlasting covenant encapsulated within the Shema. What we see in the Amidah is the life that accompanies the great commission. What we see is Israel in distress … in need … in wanting and hope of the return of G_D's glory!
Additionally we know in the Hebraic tradition that fundamental to the great commission and the hope of restoration is G_D's sacred Torah … G_D's sacred commandments … as witnessed by the inclusion of the Aseret Hadiberot into the ancient Temple liturgy.
Etched forever in the minds of faithful Jews is the scene at Mount Sinai on the Festival of Shavu'ot (Pentecost) when THE LORD G_D descended and gifted to Israel the great Ten Commandments written in stone by G_D's own finger! Do we consider this … can we visualize such a thing … do we really believe this happened?
Although it goes without saying that G_D's law is integral to the Hebraic tradition we must make note in light of our brief review that David assuredly viewed G_D's law well beyond an ethical framework for human behavior and or societal and religious governance.
What we see in David, through his love letters to the Torah, is the true "heart of Israel" … a heart that longs to be in union with G_D … on his terms. A heart that sees beyond the sheer righteousness of the sacred commandments … a human heart that peers into the very heart of G_D and sees the very will of the Creator for humanity. G_D's will for humanity that longs for equity, justice, compassion, mercy and love.
Consequently in the Hebraic perspective there is no separation of G_D's Torah from the Holy Service, society, the home or most importantly the Jewish heart!
What we ultimately realize is that ritual prayer in the Hebraic tradition … is not simply ritual is it? What we find in the ritual prayers is a consistent … daily reminder of the deal between G_D and Israel … the deal between G_D and humanity. We find that the core and revered ritual prayers of the Hebrews are very covenantal in nature and rife with the fundamental elements of the chosen peoples' faith.
We see in the ritual prayers of Israel the great truths of all creation … and we see Israel as haED … the witnesses testifying to these truths which even nature resonates, though not in words.
We see in the ritual prayers of Israel the great commission of the chosen people … their glory … their burdens … their very hopes and dreams.
We see in the ritual prayers of Israel the at times invisible threads connecting them to the past … and at the same time to their destined future.
We see in the ritual prayers of Israel an implied mandate to go beyond the recitation of prayer in rote … a mandate to take these truths, principles and revelation into their hearts for guarding and safekeeping.
We see in the ritual prayers of Israel how the Jewish sages of old discerned and passed along the understanding that the root and reality of prayer is to succumb to the will of G_D and set aside their own personal imaginations.
But despite all of this potential insight and context (if one will receive it) into traditional Hebraic prayer, we found an even deeper perspective when we casted our eyes towards the Psalms in a broader light.
Far beyond ritual prayer we entered into the realm of dynamic Hebrew prayer … we entered into the wilderness where a person communes with G_D … and must do so at some risk.
What we found is that the Hebrew perspective and language differ greatly from those of our so called enlightened civilization. We found in the Hebrew tradition an extremely rich, colorful, visual and active depiction of interfacing with G_D unlike our modern "mental/cognitive" approach.
We can see with the Psalmists, particularly King David, a vibrant and active relationship with G_D expressed through individual prayer life. Although our review was only cursory (dealing with only a sampling of prayer terms) we can surely understand that David's utilization of specific Hebrew terms was done so that a permanent record was made regarding the seemingly unlimited range of physical and emotive states he experienced.
Much more importantly however we could see where David revealed that ultimately this tremendous range of physical and emotional outpouring was not of his own doing … but rather the work of G_D himself … putting David into specific "spiritual states" because this is what G_D knew David needed … not per se what David's mind contemplated but what David's soul contemplated … and desired through a broad range of non-vocal resonance.
But our review opened up our understanding to Hebraic prayer even more when we realized that the extensive range of physical and emotive states were not wholly unique but appeared to share commonality within discrete areas of activity: Praising; Fearing; Listening; Communicating; Introspecting; Crying Out; Hoping and finally complete Living … Shalom!
What was also noteworthy is that there is no way to imply a purely linear path that any particular individual might experience. Yes indeed it would appear that these "activities" connote a form of "ascent/aliyah" towards G_D … but it would also appear that a particular "spiritual state" is in fact dynamic and predicated upon G_D's desire and will at any given time.
Essentially we are left with the conclusion that Hebraic prayer is indeed quite dynamic … just like G_D … and just like the relationship between G_D and his children. Ultimately we see in this model of dynamic prayer that G_D indeed listens … G_D indeed responds … G_D most assuredly is the central focus of prayer because true to the Hebraic perspective of prayer … praying is rooted in coming to the knowledge of G_D and his will for us!
What we can consequently deduce is that "dynamic personal prayer" … and "ritual prayer" are designed for similar purposes. Hebrew prayer is designed to praise and glorify G_D through testimony to who he is and what he does. Hebrew prayer … both ritual and dynamic serve to show believers to be witnesses! In one instance a witness to the G_D and individual/communal Israelite relationship … and at an even deeper level a witness to the heart to heart relationship shared by G_D and his children.
Both scenarios, ritual and dynamic prayer, result in the believer's understanding of G_D … understanding of G_D's plan for humanity … understanding of the frailty of both Israel and the individual … understanding that there are consequences to be paid for failure … understanding that we are destined to cry out for G_D's help … understanding that all we really have is hope in G_D's mercy and benevolence … understanding that G_D wants us to succeed, be restored and live with him in complete Shalom.
Despite the similarity of these "net results" it is also very apparent however that both ritual and dynamic prayer have a place in the life of the believer. It should also be noted that it also seems apparent (by virtue of David's love letters to the Torah), that there are no clear lines between how G_D chooses to operate within an individual. This means that recitation and pondering of the ritual prayers may just as well result in any or multiple of the diverse spiritual states experienced by the Psalmist … and conversely it should be recognized that G_D could just as easily use a dynamic personal prayer session to reveal to an individual the "truths" encapsulated within the ritual prayers.
So … what we ultimately end up with is a situation wherein all types of Hebrew prayer appears to essentially be dynamic … if of course we are willing to let G_D be G_D … and if we are willing to let G_D's Spirit move within us. It would thus seem that a significant deterrent to dynamic prayer would be the approach by either an individual … or a community … with respects to prayer! Hmmm … perhaps we need to let this sink in for a moment?
Of course it should be noted that despite treating at some level the core Hebrew Prayers (The Shema; The Amidah and The Aseret Hadiberot) … and at least delving into the dynamics of Hebrew prayer by way of a cursory review of the Psalms and key prayer language terms, we should not fool ourselves into believing that we have adequately addressed this wonderful topic in detail.
As those familiar with Holy Scriptures know … the Biblical account is full of prayers … at nearly every turn and in most cases they are overwhelming if pondered. For instance … the prayer of Hannah a barren woman … who by the mercy of G_D became the mother of the great prophet and judge Samuel!
1 Samuel (2:1 - 10) And Hannah prayed, and said: my heart exults in the LORD, my horn is exalted in the LORD; my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation. There is none holy as the LORD, for there is none beside thee; neither is there any rock like our G_D. Multiply not exceeding proud talk; let not arrogance come out of your mouth; for the LORD is a G_D of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed. The bows of the mighty men are broken, and they that stumbled are girded with strength. They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that were hungry have ceased; while the barren hath borne seven, she that had many children hath languished. The LORD kills, and makes alive; he brings down to the grave, and brings up. The LORD makes poor, and makes rich; he brings low, he also lifts up. He raises up the poor out of the dust, he lifts up the needy from the dung-hill, to make them sit with princes, and inherit the throne of glory; for the pillars of the earth are the LORD'S, and he hath set the world upon them. He will keep the feet of His holy ones, but the wicked shall be put to silence in darkness; for not by strength shall man prevail. They that strive with the LORD shall be broken to pieces; against them will he thunder in heaven; the LORD will judge the ends of the earth; and he will give strength unto His king, and exalt the horn of His anointed.
Or let us not dismiss the numerous prayers of the prophets and other Biblical figures such as Noah, Abraham, Moses … on and on.
What we need to realize is that in many instances these great spontaneous Hebrew prayers were answered by G_D … immediately … and most often in very dramatic fashion.
What we can also be assured of as well is that G_D is apparently always ready to hear from us … or well at least ready to hear from those children in a relationship with him … or those children of men crying out to be made into a child of G_D! As for those that are not in a relationship with G_D …
Psalms: (37:12-13) The wicked plot against the righteous, and gnash at him with his teeth. The Lord doth laugh at him; for he sees that his day is coming.
Proverbs:
(1:24-30) Because I have called, and ye refused, I have stretched out my hand, and no man attended, But ye have set at naught all my counsel, and would none of my reproof; I also, in your calamity, will laugh, I will mock when your dread cometh; When your dread cometh as a storm, and your calamity cometh on as a whirlwind; when trouble and distress come upon you. Then will they call me, but I will not answer, they will seek me earnestly, but they shall not find me. For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD; they would have none of my counsel, they despised all my reproof.
(15:8) The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD; but the prayer of the upright is His delight.
(28:9-10) He that turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination. Whoso causes the upright to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit; but the whole-hearted shall inherit goodness.
So … it would also appear that there is another side of traditional Hebraic thought on prayer that we need to address; the Hebraic perspective that holds to the position that G_D does not listen to the prayers of the rebellious. And rebellious in the Hebraic perspective simply translates as any individual that does not abide to the terms of the Everlasting Covenant and spurns G_D's sacred Torah.
As we have already addressed previously herein the prayers of the believers (the saints) are akin to the sacrifices offered up to G_D within the Holy Service … and ascend to his throne as a sweet aroma. In the Hebraic perspective … all sacrifices are by eternal ordinance examined closely by the priests in order to confirm that they are unblemished and meet G_D's requirements. As such in the Hebraic perspective the prayers and supplications of individuals that choose not to enter into a covenantal relationship with G_D are tainted … blemished and ultimately not fit for presentation and offering to G_D!
Interestingly enough we must objectively admit that the Hebraic perspective pertaining to "tainted offerings" is assuredly consistent with all of the facets of Hebraic prayer reviewed thus far. Ultimately the prayers of the rebellious represent mere supplications in times of distress … and presume that G_D whimsically grants wishes. On the other hand this commentator will be very cautious in how this particular topic is handled in that G_D does what he does for his own good pleasure. As such it must be admitted that there should never be any preconceptions as to who G_D will answer … nor in what manner G_D may respond. Still further the Sacred Texts also point towards the scenario wherein G_D scoffs at the wicked and ultimately it would seem to be reasonable to let G_D make any such judgments … as opposed to drawing a hard line in the sand declaring that G_D will not answer the prayers of people not rigidly adhering to the Torah.
The general point to be made however, utilizing the traditional Hebraic perspective on prayer and the patterns of acceptable sacrifice, is that the Hebraic expectation regarding the answering of prayers is directly correlated to "relationship". As such we can presume that prayer is expected to be an integral component in the lives of believers.
What we should also discern from the Holy Scriptures is that despite our hopeful expectations that G_D will hear and respond to our supplications, the Hebraic tradition understands that patient long suffering goes hand in hand with trust and hope. Additionally since prayer is really about G_D's will, another key Hebraic vantage point holds that we as individuals need to be discerning with respects to how G_D answers our prayers … meaning that the answer to prayer does not automatically result in the expectation that we may have formulated in our own minds. We need to be diligent in looking for G_D's hands in our lives and do so knowing that G_D does not work against his own will and plans. If we discern using G_D's perspective we will be much more apt in seeing the Creator's handiwork in our lives.
In concluding this brief discourse and review of traditional Hebraic prayer please dear reader understand that this represents only a peek into the richness and bounty of the communal and individual relationship that exists between Israel and G_D through the prayer dynamic.
What is important to this commentator however is that this unique Hebraic perspective be exposed because in so many ways does it differ from the modern Western and yes even Christian traditions. Sadly our Hellenic immersion has resulted in purported believers that operate in opposition to this Hebraic perspective … in prayer and life.
Because the Hebraic perspective is so vibrant, colorful and visual this commentator might be so bold as to attempt to convey a broad understanding of the Hebraic perspective on prayer by utilizing a picture … as seen herein below:
Although this visual is indeed rudimentary it is hoped that this great dynamic which is Hebrew prayer is at least somewhat captured.
It begins with The LORD revealing himself to a newly incorporated nation … his chosen people Israel. Critical to this G_D and Israel relationship as can be seen is the sacred law … the Torah of G_D which serves as the very brick and mortar of the covenantal partnership … a partnership that is both communal and quite personal. A partnership that is ultimately centered around and rooted in G_D himself. A relationship, that because of G_D, is unique … separate … set apart … holy!
We see by way of this relationship where Israel on a consistent basis lives to make "aliyah" towards the Temple where G_D has placed his Name … has placed his very Presence! At least three times a year does corporate Israel make Aliyah up to the Temple; for Pesach/Passov