Prayer - A Messianic Perspective
As we begin the second component of this look into Hebraic prayer and turn our sights towards the B'rit Chadasha (a.k.a. Christian new Testament) … let us do so knowing that we have exposed a decent and fairly succinct framework by which we can compare what we learn in the B'rit Chadasha to that which we gleaned from our review of Hebraic prayer in the Tanakh.
To summarize the high level components of Hebrew prayer:
Hebraic prayer is rooted in and consists of both "ritual" as well as "dynamic" interfacing methods with G_D. Methods which are designed to: bear testimony to G_D's glory; encapsulate the key elements of the everlasting covenant; uphold G_D's sacred commandments and let G_D work on the believer resulting in a believer experiencing a broad range of physical, emotive and spiritual states;
Hebraic prayer is intrinsically connected to the Temple … the place where G_D places His Name … Hebraic prayer focuses upon G_D;
Dynamic Hebraic prayer assuredly manifests as a "wilderness experience" wherein the believer lays everything out on the table … the good and the bad.
Hebraic prayer is essentially a relationship component wherein the individual seeks to discern and understand the "will of G_D" … over their own will so that they can be purposeful for the promulgation of G_D's Kingdom … so that they can be transformed into G_D's image through inspiration, introspection and refinement;
Hebraic prayer is active … energetic … resonant and incorporates a believer's entire life!
Hebraic prayer makes G_D the object and his will for us the objective!
Hebraic prayer is akin to the sweet aroma of the olah (whole burnt offering) which ascends to the throne of G_D … Hebraic prayer is in essence an "aliyah" towards G_D.
B'rit Chadasha - Hebraic Prayer Continues
Luke: (Chapter 1) There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zachariyah, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisheva. And they were both righteous before ELOHIM (Unified G_D in Hebrew), walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. And they had no child, because that Elisheva was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years. And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest’s office before ELOHIM in the order of his course, According to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense. And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zachariyah saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zachariyah: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisheva shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name Yochanan (John). And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their ELOHIM. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Eliyahu, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. And Zachariyah said unto the angel, whereby shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years. And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gavriel that stands in the presence of ELOHIM; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings. And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believes not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season. And the people waited for Zachariyah, and marveled that he tarried so long in the temple. And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless.
And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house. And after those days his wife Elisheva conceived, and hid herself five months, saying, thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.
And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from ELOHIM unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Yosef, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Miriam. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favored, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Miriam: for thou hast found favor with ELOHIM. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name YESHUA. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord ELOHIM shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. Then said Miriam unto the angel, how shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Spirit shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of ELOHIM and, behold, thy cousin Elisheva, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with ELOHIM nothing shall be impossible. And Miriam said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.
And Miriam arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Judah; and entered into the house of Zachariyah, and saluted Elisheva. And it came to pass, that, when Elisheva heard the salutation of Miriam, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisheva was filled with the Holy Spirit: And she spoke out with a loud voice, and said, blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence is this to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord. And Miriam said, my soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in ELOHIM my Savior. For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation. He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away. He hath upheld his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy; as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed forever. And Miriam abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house.
Now Elisheva’s full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son. And her neighbors and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her. And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zachariyah, after the name of his father. And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called Yochanan (John). And they said unto her, there is none of thy kindred that is called by this name. And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called. And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is Yochanan. And they marveled all. And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, and praised ELOHIM. And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judaea. And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, what manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him. And his father Zachariyah was filled with the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit), and prophesied, saying, Blessed be the Lord ELOHIM of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David; as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began: That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant; The oath which he swore to our father Abraham, That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life. …
Luke: (2:21-24) And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called YESHUA, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb. And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.
Luke (2:25-39) And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Spirit, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Mashiach. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Yeshua, to do for him after the custom of the law, Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed ELOHIM, and said, Lord, now let thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. And Joseph and his mother marveled at those things which were spoken of him. And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Miriam his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher: she was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity; and she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served ELOHIM with fasting and prayers night and day. And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spoke of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem. And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.
Commentary:
Wow … talk about starting off our review of the B'rit Chadasha with a bang … it is indeed a challenge in just figuring out where to begin!
Our very first foray into Hebraic prayer in a Messianic perspective begins not surprisingly right where one would expect … at the Holy Temple in Jerusalem … the place of G_D's great Name … and we can see that there is so very much going on … the emergence of the forerunner as prophesied in Yeshayahu (Isaiah) … the miraculous conception of Miriam … the presentation of Yeshua at the Temple … the continuation of G_D's great restoration plan for humanity!
We see Zachariyah, a Levitical Priest, going into the "Holy Place" to offer up the "incense sacrifice" to G_D … his once in a lifetime opportunity to get oh so very close to G_D's presence within the Holy of Holies … the place where the sacred Arc of the Covenant resides … the place where the Kapporah (the mercy seat) resides!
It is assuredly expected by the thousands of faithful Jews outside the Temple that Zachariyah will offer up the traditional ritual prayer associated with the offering … Israel is praying that G_D accepts the offering of Zachariyah.
But as Zachariyah presents the offering … something strange happens. Deep within Zachariyah as he stands before the incense table his heart's desire pours out before G_D … wondering why he never had a son to promulgate the family lineage … wondering why he was never blessed with a son to take up the charge as priest after him … wondering why he was not blessed despite his faithfulness to G_D's sacred commandments.
And Zachariyah's resonance rose to G_D's throne and G_D sent Gavriel to deliver an answer to Zachariyah's most intimate prayer. Zachariyah and Elisheva would be gifted with a son! But of course our brief review of these events continues as we quickly see the story unfold.
Now … while Zachariyah remains physically mute because of his initial doubts … G_D continues to work as we see Elisheva soon thereafter with child for six months. And at G_D's appointed time once again Gavriel is sent forth to reveal G_D's will, this time to the young Miriam, a cousin of Elisheva. Despite the amazing and frightening revelation, the young virgin receives the news graciously … accepting G_D's word!
Next we see upon Miriam's visit to her elder cousin, the dynamic movement of Ruach HaKodesh within the two women and the growing Yochanan.
Please dear reader … note the active resonance taking place during this meeting. The mere sound of Miriam's voice resonates through the ears of Elisheva … cascading down through her body and into the womb where the young babe leaps for joy in praise upon receiving the Holy Spirit … directly from Messiah! But the Ruach was not done and immediately Elisheva reveals what she could not have known and prophesies that all that was told to Miriam by the LORD will happen!
And responsive to Elisheva's outpouring Miriam proceeds to dynamically pray … in many respects in similar fashion to Channah … the mother of Samuel. And what we see in this great dynamic outpouring, is the testimony to G_D's faithfulness … His mercy … His justice … His promises to Israel!
And three months later … after the birth of Yochanan and upon the babe being presented at the Temple for circumcision, we once again see a similar outpouring from Ruach HaKodesh … this time via the now unmuted Zachariyah. Simply amazing!
But naturally the events associated with the forerunner are overshadowed by what transpires when Yeshua is presented at the Temple according to the rites of Torah. In the midst of the rite of circumcision we see the dynamic intervention by Ruach HaKodesh wherein not one … but two prophets of Israel, responsive to their long term faithfulness and prayers are blessed in amazing fashion and declare that Yeshua is both the redemption and salvation of The LORD!
Let us dear reader for a moment ponder these events and do so keeping in mind that these are indeed the inspired writings associated with the earliest events of the B'rit Chadasha record. Does it not make us stop and think as to why and how these events present an absolutely perfect transition from the Tanakh (Testament of Promise) to the B'rit Chadasha (Testament of Fulfillment) … presuming of course that such a transition is even necessary in the first place?
Let us consider for a moment however the backdrop of these events … it all begins at the Holy Temple … the place where G_D placed his Name in all of Israel. It all begins with a faithful priest … an elder priest … concluding his tenure in dramatic fashion by being honored with presenting the sacred incense offering to G_D within the Holy Place … and within the traditional framework of Hebraic ritual prayer.
But in the midst of this ritual prayer session G_D dynamically intervenes and makes things quite intimate and personal. And the intimacy and personal nature of G_D's relationship with his children continues … as we see with Elisheva and Miriam.
But we must note how this intervention … though dynamic and personal … results in a physical, emotional and spiritual outpouring that maintains the central themes of Israel's covenantal relationship and dependence upon G_D … redemption, salvation, restoration and promulgation of the kingdom to all the nations.
Let us attempt to place ourselves in Judah … two thousand years ago when the young Miriam enters into the room and greets her elderly cousin. The room is electric and the women are blushing with the knowledge of what G_D is doing … they are physically ramped up with an energy that is indescribable … they are resonating from every cell in their bodies and this resonance cannot be contained. Yet at the same time these women defer to the power that is working within them … these women, overcome with awe and wonder … simply let G_D be G_D!
We see a short time later … where Zachariyah as well, after battling with the turmoil of not being able to even speak for nearly a year, succumbs to the power and the resonance of Ruach HaKodesh and begins to prophesy while glorifying and praising G_D most high at the Temple during the circumcision of Yochanan!
And six months later we see recorded another scene at the Temple wherein Ruach HaKodesh dynamically intervenes upon Yeshua's rite of circumcision; again in a very personal and intimate manner yet once again within the context of the everlasting covenant and specifically the messianic mission foretold by the prophets of old.
In this opening foray of the B'rit Chadasha we see G_D working in mysterious and wondrous ways. We see G_D bringing about his will for humanity through the lives of faithful (Torah observant) Jewish people in a very intimate fashion … yet at the same time brought about clearly within the auspices of the everlasting covenant and G_D's relationship with national Israel … there is assuredly divine orchestration taking place!
Ultimately in this opening foray we see the Temple as the central focus … we see the combination of both ritual and dynamic prayer … we see the intimacy of the G_D to person relationship … we see the earmarks of the G_D to Israel relationship … we see G_D continue to uphold the everlasting covenant … we see the great and active resonance produced by G_D's Holy Spirit … and we see clearly the picture of the sweet aroma of prayer rising to G_D's throne.
There should be no doubts as we view these prayers in aggregate fashion that the great tradition of the Hebraic prayer framework as seen in the Tanakh remains consistent as we move into the B'rit Chadasha.
Let us once again revisit the visualization provided herein depicting traditional Hebraic prayer …
To this commentator it surely appears that this same visual framework … purportedly aligned with the so called "Old Testament" is aligned perfectly with the events as recorded within the first two chapters of Luke's Gospel.
Consequently it might appear that we need venture no further seeing how this pattern of Hebrew prayer has, upon just a cursory review, spanned the Biblical Testaments. Conversely it is clear that we are just getting started and should not even consider our venture anywhere near complete!
Just think what G_D has in store for us as we now proceed beyond the initial record of the B'rit Chadasha?
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Yeshua Upholding the Traditions
Luke (2:46-50) And it came to pass, that after three days they found him (Yeshua) in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? Behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said unto them, how is it that ye sought me? Think ye not that I must be about my Father’s business? And they understood not the saying which he spoke unto them.
Luke (4:16) And he (Yeshua) came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up for to read.
Matthew (4:23) And Yeshua went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.
John (2:23-25) Now when he (Yeshua) was in Jerusalem at the Passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did. But Yeshua did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men, and needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.
John (5:1) After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Yeshua went up to Jerusalem.
John (7:2-3) Now the Jews’ feast of tabernacles was at hand. His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou does.
John (10:22-23) And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter. And Yeshua walked in the temple in Solomon’s porch.
Luke (6:7) And the scribes and Pharisees watched him, whether he would heal on the Sabbath day; that they might find an accusation against him.
Matthew (21:12-13) And Yeshua went into the temple of G_D, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, And said unto them, It is written, my house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.
Mark (12:35) And Yeshua answered and said, while he taught in the temple, How say the scribes that Mashiach is the Son of David?
Commentary:
In line with our initial review of how traditional Hebraic prayer remained consistent from the very onset of the B'rit Chadasha record, we can see from these excerpts from Holy Scriptures how Yeshua throughout his entire life made the Synagogue and Temple a central component of his "halakha" … of his lifestyle … of his walk.
If indeed the traditional ritual elements of the Jewish faith were designed to pass away responsive to the great Messianic Mission … it appears that someone forgot to relay this information to Yeshua. Instead we see Yeshua in the Synagogues … we see Yeshua at the Temple in Jerusalem … always making aliyah for the Biblically ordained Festivals of G_D.
Although it might appear from the Holy Scriptures to untrained non-Jewish eyes that Yeshua was more of a renegade of sorts as it pertained to mainstream Jewish religious practices, the sacred texts more than imply the exact opposite. In a Hebraic context the Holy Scriptures historically portray Yeshua as faithful Jew and as such more than imply that Yeshua readily grasped the traditions of old that were indeed inspired by G_D's Holy Spirit.
Now … so that no one is unclear it must be noted that the ritual services in both the Synagogues and Temple were historically established in Yeshua's day. There can be no doubts that Yeshua, like all faithful Jews, prayed and chanted the ancient prayers during these liturgies.
The point to be made dear reader is that we can be assured that the Temple and Synagogue framework established in Israel was upheld and validated by Yeshua. As the sacred text reveals Yeshua undoubtedly honors the Sabbath …the Biblical Festivals … the Synagogue … the Temple and in so doing upholds the great traditional prayer rites of the Jewish people … of the Jewish faith!
For us believers today the implications should be self-evident. If these Jewish traditions and associated prayer rites were upheld by Yeshua … as being inspired … as containing great value … as being worth honoring, then under what scenario would we his disciples not also cleave too and honor these ancient rituals? Hmmm!
Despite the contentious relationship with the blind religious leaders of that particular generation, Yeshua apparently had zero problems with the conventions and principles of the Temple, Synagogue or Ritual Prayers associated with them … as we will see in greater detail as we proceed herein.
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Matthew (6:5 -13) And when thou pray, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward. But thou, when thou pray, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which sees in secret shall reward thee openly. But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knows what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
Commentary:
Perhaps Yeshua's greatest and most insightful Torah teaching was provided when our LORD was asked by his disciples to "Teach us how to pray!"
As we begin this brief discourse let us keep in mind that those disciples asking Yeshua are not devoid of knowledge regarding what it means to pray in the Temple … or the Synagogue. These are people that are versed in the Hebrew faith … people that have consistently cleaved to local synagogues and people who have annually made "aliyah" to Jerusalem at the appointed sacred Festivals … these are people that know the ins and outs of "ritual prayer". As such we very well could easily rephrase the disciples' question to read like this: "LORD show us how you pray!"
Interestingly enough at first glance however Yeshua in direct response to this question does not reveal any deeply introspective mode of personal prayer but rather seemingly points the disciples to a framework that they know quite well already … Hebrew ritual prayer!
Please note that various Messianic commentators through the years have conjectured that this is exactly what Yeshua intended and was teaching the disciples how to cope with a rabbinic requirement to pray three times daily while dealing with time/life constraints that seemed to make this requirement impossible to keep.
So perhaps the connections between the disciple's prayer and the Amidah of the Hebrew daily liturgy are not readily evident? Let us recall the order and content of the Amidah (below herein) and keep in mind that there certainly does appear to be a strong correlation to what Yeshua prays in relation to the Amidah prayer elements.
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 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 ELOHIM
So … did in fact Yeshua provide his own disciples with an abbreviated model of reciting the Amidah prayers?
Perhaps this is what was in fact going on but this commentator believes further exploration is warranted!
Now initially let us just look at Yeshua's opening prayer line …
Our Father which art in heaven hallowed be thy name … thy kingdom come
Comment: Naturally nearly all faithful Jews would not be surprised by Yeshua's opening prayer line which would not shake or challenge anyone. But perhaps it is not just the Amidah where Yeshua is leading us. Let us recall what Yeshua himself declares when queried as to which is the greatest commandment: "Shema Yisrael ADONAI ELOHEYNU ADONAI echad … and you shall love the LORD your G_D with all of your heart … with all your soul … and with all your power!"
Let us also recall that the opening lines of the Shema prayer are as follows:
Hear oh Israel … the LORD is our G_D … the LORD is ONE | Blessed be his glorious Name and eternal king