The Amidah

Great minds think alike! The Jewish people have long realized the power of unity. One area where they are great at this is in the unity of prayer.

It is recorded in the book of Daniel that he prayed three times a day and this was the custom of his people. They always prayed facing Jerusalem. Jews in diaspora still pray facing Jerusalem. Just because he had been carried off to Babylon it did not stop him from remembering to pray.

Around 450 BC when the Jews were allowed to return to Jerusalem by Cyrus the Great, a Great Assembly convened which included Ezra and Nehemiah. Some ancient Jewish writings state that Daniel and perhaps Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were also present. In this Great Assembly they composed what is called "The Amidah" or "Standing Prayer" (It was to be prayed while standing). Although this prayer has undergone some minor modifications, throughout the centuries, it remains basically in tact to its original composition.

In the book of Acts we read about the Apostles going up to the Temple during the hour of prayer, 3 PM, the 9th hour - the evening prayer (Acts 3:1-2). Also, in Acts chapter 2 on the day of Shavuot/Pentecost the Holy Spirit fell during the hour of prayer (Acts 2:15 - the third hour of the day, or 9 am). The hours of prayer were at 9:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 3:00 PM; morning, evening and at noon. In unity this prayer would be recited. Like His disciples, Yeshua would have no doubt recited this prayer.

Think of the power associated with thousands and thousands of voices going up to God in unison in one mind and accord; making the same requests.

If you have never taken a look at "The Amidah" then you should really consider reading over it and incorporating it into your daily prayer regimen. It is a very powerful prayer and covers every area that a person should be praying for each day along with blessing Almighty God with almost every breath. Since this is not a Messianic prayer invoking the name of Yeshua, I just add His name where appropriate (like where it speaks about the throne of David).

Below is a copy of The Amidah. Keep in mind that it has undergone some revisions throughout the centuries. This is the version that I use while inserting Yeshua's name where appropriate and adding in my own words where appropriate (It is a great baseline for daily prayer). I have also deleted a section or two that I did not feel relevant.

Hope you enjoy!

Leisa

GOD OF HISTORY: Blessed are you , Oh Lord our God and God of our fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob, the great, mighty and revered God, the Most High God who bestows loving kindnesses, the creator of all things, who remembers the good deeds of the patriarchs and in love came as a redeemer to their children's children for your name's sake. Oh king, helper, savior and shield. Blessed are you, Oh Lord, the shileld of Abraham.

THE GOD OF NATURE: You, Oh Lord, are mighty forever, you revivie the dead, you have the power to save. You cause the wind to blow and the rain to fall. You sustain the living with loving-kindness, you revive the dead with great mercy, and you support the falling, heal the sick, set free the bound and keep faith with those who sleep in the dust. Who is like you, Oh doer of mighty acts? Who resembles you, a king who puts to death and restores to life, and causes salvation to flourish? And you are certain to revive the dead. Blessed are you, Oh Lord, who revives the dead.

SANCTIFICATION OF GOD: We will sanctify your name in this world just as it is sanctified in the highest heavens, as it is written by your prophet: And they call out to one another and say: Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of hosts, the whole earth is full of his glory. Blessed be the presence of the Lord in his place. And in your holy Words it is written, saying, the LORD reigns forever, your God, Oh Zion, throughout all generations. Hallelujah. Throughout all generations, we will declare your greatness, and to all eternity we will proclaim your holiness. Your praise, Our God, shall never depart from our mouth, for you are a great and holy God and King. Blessed are you, Oh Lord, the holy God. You are holy, and your name is holy, and holy beings praise you daily. Blessed are you, Oh Lord, the holy God.

PRAYER OF UNDERSTANDING: You favor men with knowledge, and teach mortals understanding. Oh favor us with the knowledge. the understanding and the insight that comes from you. Blessed are you, Oh Lord, the gracious giver of knowledge.

FOR REPENTANCE: Bring us back, Our father, to your instructions; draw us near, Our king, to your service; and cause us to return to you in perfect repentance. Blessed are you, Oh Lord, who delights in repentance.

FOR FORGIVENESS: Forgive us, Our father, for we have sinned; pardon us, Our King, for we have transgressed; for you pardon and forgive. Blessed are you, Oh Lord, who is merciful and always ready to forgive.

FOR DELIVERANCE FROM AFFLICTION: Look upon our affliction and plead our cause, and redeem us speedily for your name's sake, for you are a mighty redeemer. Blessed are you, Oh Lord, the redeemer of Israel.

FOR HEALING: Heal us, Oh Lord, and we will be healed; save us and we will be saved, for you are our praise. Oh grant us perfect healing to all our ailments, for you, almighty King, are a faithful and merciful healer. Blessed are you, Oh Lord, the healer of the sick of his people Israel.

FOR DELIVERANCE FROM WANT: Bless this year for us, Oh Lord our God, together with all the varieties of its produce, for our welfare. Bestow dew and rain for a blessing upon the face of the earth. Oh satisfy us with your goodness, and bless our year like the best of years. Blessed are you, Oh Lord, who blesses the years.

FOR GATHERING OF EXILES: Sound the great shofar for our freedom, raise the ensign to gather our exiles, and gather us from the four corners of the earth. Blessed are you, Oh Lord, who gathers the dispersed of his people Israel.

FOR THE RIGHTEOUS REIGN OF GOD: Restore our judges as in former times, and our counselors as at the beginning; and remove from us sorrow and sighing. Reign over us, you alone, Oh Lord, the King who loves righteouness and justice.

FOR THE REBUILDING OF JERUSALEM: Return in mercy to Jerusalem your city, and dwell in it as you have promised. Rebuild it soon in our day as an eternal structure, and quickly set up in it the throne of David. Blessed are you, Oh Lord, who rebuilds Jerusalem.

FOR THE MESSIANIC KING: Speedily bring the offspring of your servant David (Yeshua Hamashiach)) to us, and let him be exalted by your saving power, for we wait all day long for your salvation (yeshua). Blessed are you, Oh Lord, who brings salvation to flourish.

FOR THE ANSERING OF PRAYER: Hear our voice, Oh Lord our God; spare us and have pity on us. Accept our prayer in mercy and with favor, for you are a God who hears prayers and supplications. Our King, do not turn us away from your presence empty-handed, for you hear the prayers of your people Israel with compassion. Blessed are you, Oh Lord, who hears prayers.

FOR RESTORATION OF TEMPLE SERVICE: Be pleased, Oh Lord our God, with your people Israel and with their prayers. Restore the service to the inner sanctuary of your Temple, and restore in love and with favor both the fire-offerings of Israel and thier prayers. May the worship of your people Israel always be acceptable to you, and let our eyes behold your return in mercy to Zion.

THANKSGIVING FOR GOD'S UNFAILING MERCIES: We give thanks to you that you are the LORD our God and the God of our fathers forever and ever. Through every generation, you have been THE ROCK of our lives, the shield of our salvation. We will give you thanks and declare your praise for our lives that are committed into your hands, for our souls that are entrusted to you, for your miracles that are daily with us, and for your wonders and your benefits that are with us at all times, evening, morning and noon. Oh beneficient one, your mericies never fail; Oh merciful one, your loving kindnesses never cease. We have always put our hope in you. For all these acts may you name be blessed and exalted continually, Our King, forever and ever. Let every living thing give thanks to you and praise your name in truth, Oh God, our salvation and our help. Blessed are you, Oh Lord, who Name is the Beneficient One, and to whom it is fitting to give thanks.

FOR PEACE: Grant peace (shalom), welfare, blessing, grace, loving kindness and mercy to us and to all Israel your people. Bless us, Our Father, one and all, with the light of your countenance; for by the light of your countenance you have given us, Oh Lord our God, a Torah of life, loving kindness and salvation, blessing, mercy, life and peace. May it please you to bless your people Israel at all times and in every hour with your peace. Blessed are you, Oh Lord, who blesses his people Israel with peace (shalom).