Prayer
Prayer is a part of the journey to be a Jew.
"The most refined condensation of Jewish thinking about God is found in our liturgy, whose prayers address a personal God with whom we can communicate, collectively and individually.
When all is said and done, there are three Jewish prayer themes: Wow! Help! and Thanks!
“Wow” prayers express awe and wonder — radical amazement at the universe and its order and majesty, nature and its beauty, the marvelous complexity of the human body, the miracle of life itself.
“Help” prayers articulate our deepest needs, hopes and fears, aspirations and longings.
“Thanks” prayers give voice to gratitude for our blessings — for our lives and souls, the miracles and wonders and goodness that surround us every day, the privilege of being Jews, the opportunity to be God’s partners in the ongoing work of creation, for God’s love and care."
Rabbi Richard A. Block, former President Central Conference of American Rabbis in the Huffington Post.
"Prayer invites
God's Presence to suffuse our spirits,
God's will to prevail in our lives.
Prayer may not bring water to parched fields,
nor mend a broken bridge,
nor rebuild a ruined city.
But prayer can water an arid soul,
mend a broken heart,
rebuild a weakened will."
From Mishkan T'Filah, page 47