Jewish Prayer 102 – Petitionary prayer

Studies show that meditative or contemplative prayer is health-enhancing, perhaps because it calms the mind and slows down breathing and heart rate. A few months ago, I suggested that for those looking to begin a Jewish prayer practice, the Shema is a good place to start. The Shema, however, is not exactly prayer in terms of words and petitions addressed to God. The Jewish prayer that best fits that definition of prayer is Amidah.

The Amidah consists of 19 blessings. The core of each blessing is one line, beginning Barukh ata, Adonai …, which I understand to mean “You are the source of Blessing, Adonai.” The most basic approach to praying the Amidah might be to isolate those blessings lines, read each one and spent 15 seconds just holding the words in your heart. Devote about five minutes to the 19 themes of prayer composed in the first century and recited by Jews three times a day ever since, and see what comes up.

An important aspect of the power of traditional Jewish prayer — by design, it is not selfish, focusing primarily on ourselves. The themes cause us to remember our relationship and responsibility with others. There is room in the Amidah for petitions to God, but most of the things we ask for are not about ourselves, but rather about the community or world around us; and if it is about ourselves or loved one, it includes others as well.

We open with meditations on our relationship with our ancestors, God’s power, and Holiness. We continue with a focus on gratitude for the power of our minds, the capacity to say I’m sorry and be forgiven, and the ability to start over. We move on to prayers for healing, livelihood, and the ingathering of exiles, and hope for justice for all, punishment of the wicked, and support of the righteous. We build up to consideration of full restoration of Jerusalem, salvation for all, and thankfulness for God’s listening ear. And we conclude with a prayer for the restoration of God’s presence, a focus on gratitude and a prayer for peace.

The 19 Blessings of the Amidah:

1. You are the source of Blessing, Adonai, Shield of Abraham and Rememberer of Sarah.
2. You are the source of Blessing, Adonai, who revives the dead.
3. You are the source of Blessing, Adonai, the holy God.
4. You are the source of Blessing, Adonai, who graciously bestows knowledge.
5. You are the source of Blessing, Adonai, who desires penitence.
6. You are the source of Blessing, Adonai, gracious One who pardons abundantly.
7. You are the source of Blessing, Adonai, Redeemer of Israel.
8. You are the source of Blessing, Adonai, who heals the sick of God’s people Israel.
9. You are the source of Blessing, Adonai, who blesses the years.
10. You are the source of Blessing, Adonai, who gathers the dispersed of God’s people Israel.
11. You are the source of Blessing, Adonai, King who loves righteousness and justice.
12. You are the source of Blessing, Adonai, who crushes enemies and subdues the wicked.
13. You are the source of Blessing, Adonai, the support and security of the righteous.
14. You are the source of Blessing, Adonai, who rebuilds Jerusalem.
15. You are the source of Blessing, Adonai, who causes the power of salvation to flourish.
16. You are the source of Blessing, Adonai, who hears prayer.
17. You are the source of Blessing, Adonai, who restores God’s Divine Presence to Zion.
18. You are the source of Blessing, Adonai, Beneficent is Your Name, and to You it is fitting to offer thanks.
19. You are the source of Blessing, Adonai, who blesses God’s people Israel with peace. 

Hebrew Word of the Month:

• Tefillah – prayer
• L’hitpallel – to pray
• Berakha/Berakhot – blessing/blessings