“Let us Pray Tefillah”
In our spiritual journeys, the significance and importance of meaningful communication and communion with Yahweh cannot be overstated. While many are familiar with the term "prayer," the Hebrew word "tefillah" offers a richer, more nuanced understanding of this practice. Here, we will explore the essence of tefillah, its structure, its varied forms, and how embracing this term and the practice of tefillah can revitalise the lives of both seasoned practitioners and newcomers alike in our spiritual lives.
Understanding Tefillah
At its core, tefillah means "to serve" or "to work," but in the context of Hebrew tradition, it encompasses the act of communicating with Yahweh. Tefillah is not merely a monologue or a routine; it represents a dialogue and a conversation … an opportunity for believers to connect deeply with Yahweh.
This term “tefillah” reflects the communal and structured nature of the practice, especially in liturgical settings. Unlike the English word "prayer," which can imply informal or personal communication, tefillah is often recited in a prescribed manner, connecting individuals to their heritage and the broader community of faith. This is not to say that we abandon informal tefillah. In 1 Thessalonians 5:16 to 18 the Apostle Paul encourages us to be in unceasing communication with Yahweh, however, having structured times of tefillah deeply enriches our informal and extemporary communication with Yahweh.
The Structure of Tefillah
The practice of tefillah is segmented into three main tefillah times each day:
Shacharit (Morning): This time of tefillah is typically performed at dawn and sets a spiritual tone for the day. It includes praises of Yahweh, petitions for daily needs, and expressions of gratitude.
Minchah (Afternoon): Performed in the afternoon, Minchah serves as a moment of reflection, allowing individuals to reconnect with Yahweh amid their daily activities.
Ma’ariv (Evening): This time of tefillah concludes the day, offering a time to express gratitude for the day's experiences and seek peace and rest.
Each time of tefillah generally includes the Amidah, a central component of tefillah comprising three sections; praises, petitions, and thanksgiving.
The Amidah: A Closer Look
The Amidah, also known as the Shemoneh Esrei ("Eighteen Blessings", but there is a 19th), is a pivotal part of tefillah. It is traditionally recited while standing and facing Jerusalem (you can download an app to give you the direction of Jerusalem), reflecting the significance of place in Hebrew spirituality. The Amidah consists of:
Praise: The first three blessings focus on praising Yahweh’s greatness and majesty.
Petition: The next thirteen blessings encompass requests for various needs … wisdom, healing, redemption, and peace, among others.
Thanksgiving: The final three blessings express gratitude for Yahweh’s kindness and mercy.
For those who find the Birkat HaMinim, “Against Heretics” of the Shemoneh Esrei challenging, it is encouraged to adapt these tefillah respectfully, maintaining the essence of gratitude and connection with Yahweh while excluding the curses on heretics. Below they have been edited.
Avodah Shebalev: The Heart of Tefillah
Central to tefillah is the concept of avodah shebalev, or "service of the heart." This principle underscores that true tefillah emerges not just from rote recitation but from an authentic and heartfelt connection with Yahweh. Tefillah is meant to be a genuine expression of one's thoughts, feelings, and desires, aligning the heart with Yahweh’s will.
By embracing avodah shebalev, believers are encouraged to enter their tefillah with intention, focusing on sincerity and openness. This approach transforms the practice from a mere practice to a meaningful and revitalising experience of the Presence of the Ruach Hakodesh (Holy Spirit).
Revitalising Our Lives in Tefillah
For those new to tefillah, the prospect of engaging in structured tefillah may seem daunting. Take baby steps! However, the beauty of tefillah lies in its capacity to foster a deepening relationship with Yahweh. Here are some suggestions to embrace and revitalise your life through tefillah:
Learn the Structure: Familiarise yourself with the different parts of the Amidah. Understanding what each section represents and can enhance your connection to Yahweh.
Create a Routine: Establish a regular time for your tefillah, including the three; morning, afternoon, or evening times. This consistency can cultivate a sense of peace and mindfulness in your day.
Be Intentional: Approach each tefillah with a heart open to conversation. Reflect on your thoughts and feelings, allowing them to guide your tefillah. A notebook is a great idea!
Adapt as Needed: Don’t hesitate to modify tefillah to align with your circumstances and experiences. The goal is connection, not perfection.
Join a Community: Engage with others who practise tefillah. The shared experience can enrich your understanding and offer support as you deepen your practice.
Conclusion
Incorporating tefillah into your spiritual life invites a dynamic and profound engagement with Yahweh. By understanding the rich meaning behind this practice, embracing its structure, and fostering a heart of authenticity, both seasoned veterans and novices can experience a revitalised connection with Yahweh. May your journey in tefillah bring you closer to Yahweh and enrich your spiritual life in ways you never imagined.
Tefillah
Heavenly Father, We ask that our times with you may be transformed as we deepen our understanding and practice of tefillah. That our intimacy with You may bring joy to Your Father-heart and bring joy to our hearts too. As with the formation of any good habit, may we navigate this practice with patience and perseverance until the habit is formed and we experience unending communion with You and savour the truth that we have “tasted and seen that Yahweh is Good”.
In the Name of Yeshua Messiah, we “tefillah. Amein!
The Amidah - Simplified
The Amidah is the overarching tefillah, recited while standing, and it is a staple of daily tefillah.
The Shemoneh Esrei is a specific part of the Amidah, containing a set of 19 blessings.
Amidah and Shemoneh Esrei are often used as synonyms but this is only a starting point.
This Amidah is significantly simplified! To the veteran it may be shocking and apologies are offered for this! The intent is to make this an “Introduction to Amidah” which is accessible for the beginner!
Opening Statement
O Yahweh, open my lips and my mouth will declare your praise. We ask in Yeshua’s Name!
Avot (“Fathers”)
Blessed are You, O Yahweh our Elohim and Elohim of our fathers, the Elohim of Abraham, the Elohim of Isaac and the Elohim of Jacob, the great, mighty and revered Elohim, the Most High Elohim who bestows lovingkindnesses, the Creator of all, who recalls the good deeds of the fathers and who brings a Redeemer to their children's children for his name's sake, in love. O King, Helper, Saviour and Shield. Blessed are You, O Yahweh, the shield of Abraham!
Gevurot (“Mighty Deeds”)
You, O Yahweh, are mighty forever, You are the Reviver of the dead, You are greatly able to save. You sustain the living in love, You revive the dead with great mercies, You support the falling, heal the sick, set free the prisoners and sustain faith for those who sleep in the dust. Who is like You, O Master of mighty deeds? Who compares to You … a King who puts to death and restores to life, and brings forth salvation? And You are faithful to revive the dead. Blessed are You, O Master, who revives the dead!
Kedushat HaShem (the holiness of the Name of Yahweh)
You are set-apart and Your Name is set-apart, and Your set-apart ones praise You every day. Blessed are You, Yahweh, the Elohim Who is set-apart!
Da’at (“Knowledge and Insight”)
You show favour to a man of knowledge, and You teach understanding to a mortal man. Be gracious to us; for from You is a mind of insight and intelligence. Blessed are You, Yahweh, Who favours us with knowledge!
Teshuvah (“Returning to Yahweh”)
Return us, our Father, to Your Torah; draw us near our King to serve You. Restore us to Your presence in complete repentance. Blessed are You, O Master, Who desires repentance!
Selichah (“Forgiveness”)
Forgive us, our Father, for we have sinned; pardon us, our King, for we have rebelled; for You are a pardoner and a forgiver. Blessed are You, Master, the gracious One who abundantly forgives!
Geulah (“Redemption”)
Behold our affliction and champion our cause, and redeem us speedily for the sake of Your Name. For you are a Strong Redeemer. Blessed are You, Master, Redeemer of Israel!
Refuah (“Healing”)
Heal us, O Yahweh, and we shall be healed; save us, and we will be saved, for You are our praise. Bring complete healing for all our sicknesses, for O Yahweh, for You are our faithful and compassionate Healer and King. Blessed are you, Master, the Healer of the sick of his people Israel. Heal me O Master, and I shall be healed. Heal me, O Yahweh, and I shall be healed, save me and I shall be saved; for you are my praise! (Jer. 17:14)
Birkat Hashanim (“Blessing the years”)
Bless for us, Yahweh our Elohim, this year and its crops and Your provision. Grant us a blessing on the earth. Satisfy us from Your bounty and bless our year like other good years. Blessed are You, O Yahweh, Who blesses the years!
Kibbutz Galuyot (“Ingathering of Exiles”)
Sound the great shofar for our freedom and raise a banner to gather our exiles and unite us together from the four corners of the earth. Blessed are You, Master, who regathers the scattered of His people Israel!
Birkat HaDin (“Blessing for Justice”)
Restore our judges as at the early times, and counsellors as there once were. Remove our grief and sighs: we want You, Yahweh, to rule over us with kindness and compassion and in righteousness and in justice. Blessed are You, Master, the King Who loves righteousness and justice!
Birkat HaMinim (“Against Heretics”)
And for slanderers and heretics let there be true repentance and true faith. May all evil in an instant be destroyed and all Your enemies be cut down swiftly. May evil ones be uprooted, broken, and destroyed and humbled soon in our days. Blessed are You, Master, who breaks down enemies and humbles the proud. Grant true repentance and true faith in Messiah Yeshua!
Tzaddikim (“Righteous Ones”)
Upon the righteous, upon the pious, upon the elders of your people of the house of Israel (includes the Ecclesia [Church] of Yeshua Messiah), upon the remnant of their scholars, upon the righteous converts, and upon ourselves, may Your compassion arise, O Master our Elohim, and give good reward to all who sincerely believe in Your Name. Include us with them forever, and let us not be ashamed, for we put our trust in You. Blessed are You, Master, the stronghold and assurance of the righteous!
Binyan Yerushalayim (“Rebuilding Yerushalayim [Jerusalem]”)
Return in compassion to Your city, Yerushalayim, and rest within it as You have said. Rebuild it speedily, and in our days, a structure forever. And may You establish the throne of David within Yerushalayim speedily. Blessed are You, Master, the Builder of Yerushalayim!
Malkhut bet David (“Kingdom of David”)
May the Branch of David Your servant (Yeshua Messiah) flourish speedily and may his horn (strength) be exalted in Your salvation. For in your salvation do we hope all the day. Blessed are You, Master, Who produces the Horn of Salvation!
Kabbalat Tefillah (“Acceptance of tefillah”)
Hear our voice, O Master our Elohim, and have pity and mercy upon us and accept in mercy and in favour our tefillah, for You are an Elohim Who hears tefillah and supplications. Do not turn us away from before You empty, for in mercy You hear the tefillah of Your people Israel. Blessed are You, Master, Who hears tefillah!
Avodah (“Service of Worship”)
Accept Your people, O Master our Elohim, and receive their tefillah. Restore the most set-apart service of Your house and accept in love the offerings and tefillah of Israel. May it please You always to want to accept the service of Your people Israel. May our eyes see You return to Zion in mercy. Blessed are You, O Master, Who restores His Presence to Zion!
Hoda'ah: (Thanksgiving to the Master)
We thank You, for it is You alone Who is Yahweh our Elohim and the Elohim of our fathers, forever and ever. You are the Rock and Shield of our salvation, You alone, from generation to generation. We thank You and tell of Your praise, for our lives are in Your hands and our souls are trusting in You. Every day Your miracles are with us: Your wonders and favours are at all times, evening, morning, and afternoon. O Good One, Your compassions are never exhausted and Your kindnesses are continual. We put our hope in You. For all these things we bless and exalt Your Name our King forever and evermore. And all the living shall confess You forever and praise Your Name in truth, O Elohim of our salvation and our help forever! Blessed are You, Yahweh, “The Good One” is Your Name, and to You it is right to give thanks.Sim Shalom: (Asking Yahweh for Peace)
Grant peace, goodness, blessing, grace, kindness, and compassion upon us and upon all of Your people Israel. Bless us, our Father, all of us as one, with the light of Your face, for with the light of Your face You gave to us. Yahweh our Elohim, the Torah of life and love of kindness, righteousness, blessing, compassion, life, and peace. May it be good in Your eyes to bless Your people Israel at every time and at every hour with Your peace. Blessed are You, Master, Who blesses His people Israel with peace. May He who makes peace in His high places make peace for us, and for all Israel.
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing before You, O Yahweh, my rock and my redeemer.
Psalm 19:14
In Yeshua's Name we do tefillah, Amein!