SHABBAT MESSAGE: MARCH 30, 2024
Brothers and sisters in Yahushua,
Praying (Tefillah): Our Daily Communication with YHVH
Introduction
Shalom Aleichem, beloved congregation. Today, we delve into a fundamental aspect of our faith: prayer. As we say in Paleo-Hebrew, Tefillah. This is not just a ritual, but our daily communication with YHVH. It’s our opportunity to express our gratitude, seek guidance, request assistance, and simply commune with our Creator.
“Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.” (Jeremiah 29:12, CJB)
This verse reminds us of the importance of Tefillah, a direct command from YHVH to call upon Him, promising that He will listen.
Understanding Tefillah
Tefillah is our direct line of communication with YHVH. It’s our opportunity to express our gratitude, seek guidance, request assistance, and simply commune with our Creator.
“This is the confidence we have in approaching YHVH: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” (1 John 5:14, CJB)
This verse beautifully encapsulates the essence of Tefillah. It’s not just about asking; it’s about asking in accordance with YHVH’s will, knowing that He hears us.
Tefillah in the Torah
The Torah provides us with several instances where YHVH commands us to do Tefillah and talk to Him. One such instance is the Shema, a central prayer in the Jewish prayerbook.
“Hear, O Yisrael: YHWH is our Adon, YHWH alone. You shall love YHVH your Adon with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.” (Deuteronomy 6:4-5, CJB)
The Shema is not just a declaration of faith, but also a Tefillah, a daily affirmation of our commitment to YHVH.
The Importance of Daily Tefillah
Daily Tefillah is a way to keep our connection with YHVH strong. It’s a time to reflect on His word, seek His guidance, and express our gratitude for His blessings.
“Rejoice always, Tefillah without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of YHVH in Yahushu Masiach for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, CJB)
This verse underscores the importance of constant communication with YHVH, encouraging us to make Tefillah a regular part of our daily lives.
Rituals and Manner of Tefillah
In addition to the times of Tefillah, there are also rituals associated with Tefillah as commanded by YHVH. These include cleansing rituals, such as immersion in a mikveh, a ritual bath. This act of purification is a way to prepare oneself physically and spiritually for Tefillah.
The manner of Tefillah also has its roots in the Torah. There is a standard format for Tefillah: praise for YHVH, followed by asking Him for all one’s needs, followed by expressing gratitude for all YHVH has done for us—both collectively and individually.
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and Tefillah for each other so that you may be healed. The Tefillah of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” (James 5:16, CJB)
This verse emphasizes the importance of confession and intercession in our Tefillah, reminding us of the power of Tefillah in bringing about healing and change.
Facing Jerusalem in Tefillah
In the tradition of our faith, we are guided to face Jerusalem during our Tefillah. This practice is deeply rooted in our history and scriptures. King Shlomo, in his prayer at the dedication of the First Temple, asked God to heed the Tefillah of those who pray towards this place (1 Kings 8:44).
“When your people go out to battle against their enemy, by whatever way you shall send them, and they Tefillah to YHWH toward the city that you have chosen and the house that I have built for your name…” (1 Kings 8:44, CJB)
This has been interpreted to mean that wherever we are in the world, we should direct our Tefillah towards Jerusalem. This act of facing Jerusalem is not just about the physical direction of our Tefillah, but it’s also a spiritual orientation, a way of aligning ourselves with the Holy City and the presence of YHVH therein.
It’s important to note that the direction of Jerusalem may not always be due east, depending on one’s geographical location. Therefore, the key is to face towards Jerusalem, not necessarily towards the rise of the sun.
Incorporating this practice into our daily Tefillah serves as a constant reminder of our spiritual connection to Jerusalem and the sacred history it embodies. It’s a way of uniting our Tefillah with those of countless generations who have turned their hearts towards Jerusalem, seeking the presence of YHVH.
The Three Daily Tefillah: Shacharit, Minchah, and Maariv
In the Jewish tradition, it is customary to Tefillah three times a day: in the morning (Shacharit), in the afternoon (Minchah), and in the evening (Maariv). This practice is believed to have been instituted by the patriarchs, Avraham, Ihtzaq, and Yaacob.
Shacharit - Morning Tefillah
The morning Tefillah, Shacharit, is said to have been established by Avraham. It is the longest of the three daily Tefillah and includes the Shema and the Amidah, two of the most important Jewish prayers. Time is about an hour or two before sunrise, before twilight is visible.
“Avraham got up early in the morning to the place where he had stood before YHWH.” (Genesis 19:27, CJB)
Shortened Amidah with Paleo-Hebrew names:
“YHVH, open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Your praise. Blessed are You, YHVH our Elohim and Elohim of our fathers, Elohim of Avraham, Elohim of Yitzchak and Elohim of Yaakov, the great, mighty and awesome Elohim, exalted Elohim, who bestows bountiful kindness, who creates all things, who remembers the piety of the Patriarchs, and who, in love, brings a redeemer to their children’s children, for the sake of His Name. During the Ten Days of Penitence add: Remember us for life, King who desires life; inscribe us in the Book of Life, for Your sake, O living Elohim. O King, (You are) a helper, a savior and a shield. Blessed are You YHVH, Shield of Avraham. You are mighty forever, my YHVH; You resurrect the dead; You are powerful to save. In summer say: He causes the dew to descend. In winter say: He causes the wind to blow and the rain to fall. He sustains the living with loving kindness, resurrects the dead with great mercy, supports the falling, heals the sick, releases the bound, and fulfills His trust to those who sleep in the dust. Who is like You, mighty One! And who can be compared to You, King, who brings death and restores life, and causes deliverance to spring forth! During the Ten Days of Penitence add: Who is like You, merciful Father, who in compassion remembers His creatures for life. You are trustworthy to revive the dead. Blessed are You YHVH, who revives the dead.”
Minchah - Afternoon Tefillah
The afternoon Tefillah, Minchah, is associated with Ihtzaq. It is a shorter service, consisting primarily of the Amidah. Time is when the sun is straight overhead and the shadows at it shortest.
“Ihtzaq went out to meditate in the field toward evening.” (Genesis 24:63, CJB)
Maariv - Evening Tefillah
The evening Tefillah, Maariv, is linked to Yaacob. It includes the Shema and the Amidah. Time is just after sunset.
“He encountered the place and spent the night there because the sun had set.” (Genesis 28:11, CJB)
Conclusion
These three daily Tefillah (Shacharit, Minchah, and Maariv), provide a structure for our daily communication with YHVH, helping us keep our connection with Him strong and vibrant throughout the day. As we engage in these Tefillah, let us remember the patriarchs who instituted them and draw inspiration from their unwavering faith and devotion to YHVH.
As we walk in the light, pursuing Shalom, let us embrace the practice of daily Tefillah. Let us strive to keep our lines of communication with YHVH open, expressing our love, gratitude, and requests to Him. In doing so, we not only fulfill our obligations to YHVH, but we also bring ourselves closer to the peace and harmony that is Shalom.
“YHVH is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” (Psalm 145:18, CJB)
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Shalom!