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Step Towards Intimacy Ok.
So, we’ve bought the latest spiritual “how to” book. We have the “spiritual” bumper sticker, jewelry, and wear that expressive t-shirt. We’ve got a fish on our car and our cd player blasts the sounds of praise and worship music.
But do we still feel spiritually empty?
If we have all the latest fads, yet a void is still present, we are not alone. Perhaps intimacy with YHWH* is not found in the "cutting edge", but in doing something different. Intimacy is established through either not doing the wrong things or doing the right things. (*YHWH is the ancient Hebrew name of our Maker, used over 8,000 times throughout the scriptures. This name is often replaced with the capitalized “LORD” or “GOD” throughout English Bibles. To learn how the great “I AM” gave His name for His people to use, read Exodus Chapter 3 & 33.)
Insane
in the Membrane
We must break out of the norm and enter the realm of the Spirit through becoming more like the people we read about in the Bible. This isn’t easy and can be quite weird at times. It isn’t weird though because it is wrong. On the contrary it is weird because it is different. No one likes change. Just try going to sleep on the floor instead of the mattress for one night and we'll see how hard it is to do something contrary to “the way it has always been done.”
If our spiritual life is lacking, then why not try something different? To take the next step towards intimacy with Yahweh, we don’t buy into the latest buzz. Let’s just return to our roots. Return to how the faith was originally kept, intended to be kept, and should be kept. Return to how Yahshua did it. “Thus says YHWH, ‘Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, Where the good way is, and walk in it; And you shall find rest for your souls,’” -- Yermi’yahu / Jeremiah 6:16.
Take
the next step
“Amidah” is the Hebrew word for “standing.” The Amidah is a group of prayers that have been prayed by the Hebrews for more than 2,000 years, even before the time of Messiah. By simply praying these prayers in faith, our life can be supernaturally changed through plugging into the Father’s will. We see that praying the Amidah is like using an extension cord to power something far away.
We are here and YHWH is there, but something is needed to connect the two of us. Something is needed to transmit power, authority, blessing, and shalom. An extension cord is needed to connect us to YHWH. The Amidah is that power cord of blessing. The Amidah is how we can experience Divre HaYamim Bet / 2 Chronicles 7: 14, “If My people who are called by My Name, will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
What
and why
One unknown source says that, “The Shemoneh Esreh is said while facing in the direction of Eretz Israel (the Land of Israel). Worshipers in Eretz Israel face towards Jerusalem. Worshipers in Jerusalem face the Temple Mount, where the Temple (Beit HaMikdash) once stood. The Shemoneh Esreh traditionally is to be said quietly to oneself, based on the example set by Hannah, whose praying lips moved, but her voice could not be heard"-- Sh'muel / I Samuel 1: 13. That is why the Shemoneh Esreh is sometimes referred to as the ‘Silent Prayer.’”
It is also customary to start the prayer time by taking three small steps forward and then three steps backward. Some say this was derived from Avraham who "came forward" to pray for the inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah in Beresheet / Genesis 18:23. Interestingly, these steps forward and then back leave the worshiper at exactly the same spot from the start. The person steps forward while thinking of YHWH as “Avinu” or “our Father” and then steps back when considering YHWH as “Melekanu” or “our King.” We can approach YHWH lovingly as Father yet, we should be humbled by YHWH as the Ruler of the Universe. “Humble yourself in the sight of YHWH and He will lift you up,” wrote the brother of Messiah in the book of Ya’acov / James.
It is important to realize that the Amidah was part of the Temple worship long before Yahshua’s time. Some teach these prayers were assembled and used around the 5th century BCE. It is believed that Yahshua would have prayed these prayers while participating in Temple worship services. Just consider that the same prayers that Yahshua prayed are prayed today and can be prayed today, if we will only do so. These prayers address YHWH directly as the Amidah provides a means through which an individual can commune directly with the Creator in a tov (good) manner.
Pray three times a day? Again this group of prayers is often performed three times a day. Praying three times a day is a lofty idea and tradition that has long held the Hebrew people. This tradition was already present during the times of Dani’el and David. “Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice,” says Tehillim / Psalms 55:17. Also the scriptures say in the book of Dani’el 6:11-14 that it was the keeping of this tradition that landed Dani’el in the trouble he was in. Here is a quick look at when to pray the Shemoneh Esreh.
First, by keeping this custom, our day can start with the "shacarit” or “morning or dawn” time of devotion. Many people spend “quiet time” each day with the Almighty; yet have nothing structured to do each day. The Amidah collection of prayers helps this time of devotion to be most effective. Praying in the morning has its origin with Avraham. “Early the next morning Abraham got up and returned to the place where he had stood before Yahweh,” Beresheet / Genesis 19: 27. The Gospels teach that Yahshua the Messiah also kept this tradition. He prayed in the morning. “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Yahshua got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed,” Markus / Mark 1:35. So from these examples, it is easy to see that praying in the morning is a Biblical idea.
Prayer in the afternoon is modeled after the “mincha” or “afternoon offering.” In traditional Judaism this prayer time has its origin in Beresheet / Genesis 24: 63. Eliyahu (Elijah) also battled the false prophets of ba’al in the afternoon. Just read 1 Kings 18:36 which says, “At the time of afternoon sacrifice, the prophet Elijah stepped forward and prayed: “O Yahweh, Elohim of Avraham, Yitz’chak and Ya’acov, let it be known today that you are Elohim in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command.” This prayer of Eliyahu was answered with a miraculous wonder from heaven, which led to the false prophets being killed and Yahweh being glorified. The afternoon was also the time that Yahshua offered Himself upon the tree in Mattitiyahu / Matthew 27:45.
During times of spiritual refreshing many people say they want to return to the faith as it was in the book of Acts. If this is true for us, then we should consider afternoon mincha prayers. Possibly one reason why the believers in the book of Acts had power is because they prayed three times daily. “One day Kefa (Peter) and Yochannan (John) were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon,” – Acts / Maaseh Shlichim 3:1. Cornelius also had his vision during afternoon prayer in Acts 10:1-3. Afternoon prayer time is an occasion for miracles from heaven!
“Maariv” or “avrit” are the Hebrew terms for “evening prayers.” This time of prayer has it’s beginning with Ya’acov who experienced the Almighty in the evening in Beresheet 28:11. Evening time is also when the Israelites were led out of Egypt. It was during this time of nightly prayer that Dani’el had an exciting encounter. “While I was still in prayer, Gavri’el, the man I had seen in the earlier vision, came to me in swift flight about the time of the evening sacrifice,” Dani’el 9:21. Just think that if Dani’el had not been in prayer during that evening then his answer might not have come! “May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice,” says Tehillim / Psalms 141:2.
Yahshua also did many powerful works during the nighttime setting. “When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word, and healed all the sick,” Mattitiyahu / Matthew 8:16. Rabbi Sha’ul (Paul) received a vision of YHWH at night in Acts, chapter 18:9, “Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace."
From these examples it is pretty easy to see that praying three times a day is a Biblical custom that has many advantages.
Stop before you start! Prayer three times daily is not a bad idea. Just consider if you did this, how would your life change if you stopped not once, not twice, but three times each day to really spend some time in YHWH’s presence? What if your day was focused and built around spending time with YHWH instead of spending time at the office? Wouldn’t you be different? Wouldn’t your home be more peaceful if your family stopped at morning, lunch, and evening to pray together? Wouldn’t your life change for the better? Well, before you think you have to start praying three times daily tomorrow don’t.
Please don’t set yourself up for failure. Just try praying the Amidah once a day then move to twice a day and then progress to three times. As you do this progressive praying you will experience a spiritual renewal. This revival will happen simply because you are spending more time in His presence in prayer!
Let’s clear one thing up from the start, praying the Amidah is not “vain repetition” that the Scriptures warn against. The Amidah, or pretty much anything else for that matter, can become “vain repetition” but it does not have to be. On the other hand, the Amidah is focused prayers that have been passed down from generation to generation. Written Biblical prayers help believers pray the Father’s will and not loose concentration. Soon after learning the Shemoneh Esreh in English you can learn how to say it in the Hebrew language. Just imagine that while praying the Shemoneh Esreh in Hebrew you can speak them in the same language that Yahshua did while He was on the earth. The Sages teach that it is a great mitzvah to pray in Hebrew!
The Amidah of today was in place before the New Testament was written. It is divided into three sections of praise that are mentioned in one of the most popular Bible verses of the Brit Chadashah. When Rabbi Sha’ul wrote these words he was actually telling the group at Philippi to pray the Amidah. This Hebrew idiom has been hidden until now. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to Elohim. And the peace of Yahweh, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Yahshua HaMoshiach,” -- Phylypsiyah / Philippians 4: 6-7. The underlined words in this verse are the three sections of the Amidah!
First there is to be prayer or homage to YHWH. This is like a slave praising his master before he dares make a request. Basically this time of prayer is the first two blessings of the Shemoneh Esreh.
Next there is to be petition. Petitioning YHWH is the majority of the Amidah. Petition includes the middle 13 prayers, which cover every need of mankind.
Finally there is to be thanksgiving. Just as the Amidah begins with praise it is to end with praise. The last three prayers show the believer having gratitude and confidence in his master.
The Shemoneh Esreh is also in the teachings of Messiah. There are many who teach and believe that the Master’s Prayer, often called the “L/rd’s Prayer” is a version of the Amidah. It is pretty amazing how similar Yahshua’s sample prayer to His talmidim is like the Amidah. The Jewish people were to pray the Amidah daily yet were allowed to shorten the prayers when needed. Perhaps the Master’s prayer of Luke 11 is simply a shortened form of the Amidah. Rabbi Eliezer, a younger contemporary of Yahshua, taught his own abbreviation of the Eighteen. His version is, "May your will be done in heaven above, grant peace of mind to those who fear you [on earth] below, and do what seems best to you. Blessed are you, O Yahweh, who answers prayer." Note the phrases "your will be done" and "in heaven above...(on earth) below" as in the Master's Prayer. Also note the parallel between "grant peace of mind" in the prayer Eliezer taught and "deliver us from evil" in the prayer Yahshua used.
Time
for action
If your spiritual life can use a boost just pray the Amidah. Expect Yahweh to move in your midst. Begin to daily recite these prayers in faith and experience the results. Join in the daily prayers of Israel and for Israel. “The effective and fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much,” says the book of Ya’acov / James. Each of these blessings of the Shemoneh Esreh are an affirmation of YHWH’s power. Each of these blessings centers on Him, even while requests are being made. The Amidah in its entirety follows this teaching for your use during your own prayer time.
Remember that “Amidah” means “standing” and that this prayer time traditionally begins with three steps towards the east. These three steps and these eighteen blessings are our next step towards intimacy with YHWH. Take the steps. Pray these prayers. Really trust in our heart that YHWH will answer. When we do, we’ll be amazed and renewed.
Amidah – Shemoneh Esreh
Yahweh, Adonai, open my lips that my mouth may declare your praise. Blessing of the Fathers Blessed are You, Yahweh my Elohim, and Elohim of my forefathers, Elohim of Avraham, Elohim of Yitzchak, Elohim of Ya’acov. The great and mighty, awesome Elohim, the supreme, Elohim, who bestows beneficial kindness and creates everything, Who recalls the kindness of the Patriarchs and has brought a Redeemer to their children’s children, for His name’s sake, with love. O King, Helper, Savior, and Shield. Blessed are You, Yahweh, the shield of Avraham.
Blessing of Yahweh’s Might You are eternally mighty my adon, the resurrector of the dead; you are abundantly able to save. You sustain the living with kindness, resurrect the dead with abundant mercy, support the fallen, heal the sick, releases the confined, and maintains the faith of those who sleep in the dust. Who is like You O master of mighty deeds, who is comparable to You O king, Who caused death and restores life and makes salvation sprout. And you are faithful to resurrect the dead. Blessed are You, Yahweh who resurrects the dead.
Blessing of Kedushah We shall sanctify Your name in this world, just as they sanctify it in Heaven above. As it is written by your holy prophet, “And one angel shall call another and say: Holy, holy, holy is Yahweh T’zvaot, the whole world is filled with His glory.” Those facing them say, “Blessed, blessed is the glory of Yahweh from this place.” And in Your holy writings the following is written, “Yahweh shall reign forever, your Elohim O T’zion from generation to generation. HalleluYah!” And from generation to generation we shall relate your greatness and for infinite eternities we shall proclaim Your holiness. Your praise O Yahweh shall not leave our mouth forever and ever. For You, O Elohim, are a great and Holy King. You are holy and Your name is holy, and everyday holy ones will praise you forever. Blessed are You, Yahweh, the holy Elohim.
Blessing for Insight You graciously endow man with wisdom and teach insight to frail mortal. So endow us graciously from Yourself with wisdom, insight, and discernment. Blessed are You, Yahweh, gracious giver of wisdom.
Blessing of Repentance Bring us back, our Father, to Your torah, and draw us near our King to your service, and influence us to return in perfect repentance before You. Blessed are You, Yahweh, who desires repentance.
Blessing of Forgiveness Forgive us, our Father, for we have sinned; pardon us our, our King, for we have willfully sinned; for You pardon and forgive. Blessed are You, Yahweh, the gracious one who pardons abundantly.
Blessing of Redemption Behold our affliction, take up our grievance and redeem us speedily for Your name’s sake with love. For You are a powerful Redeemer. Blessed are You, Yahweh, the Redeemer of Isra’el.
Blessing of Health and Healing Heal us, Yahweh, and we will be healed, save us and we will be saved, for you are our praise. Bring complete recovery for all our ailments, and may it be Your will, Yahweh, my Elohim, and Elohim of my forefathers, that You quickly send a complete recovery from heaven above, spiritual and physical healing to the patients (name the sick) for they are among the patients of Isra’el. For You are Elohim, the faithful and compassionate Healer. Blessed are You, Yahweh, who heals the sick of His people Isra’el.
Blessing for a Year of Prosperity Bless on our behalf, O Yahweh our Elohim, this year and all its kinds of crops for the best, and give dew and rain for a blessing on the face of the earth. Satisfy us from Your bounty and bless our year like the best of years. Blessed are You, Yahweh, who blesses the years.
Blessing of the Ingathering of Exiles Sound the shofar for our freedom, raise the banner to gather our exiles and gather us together from the four corners of the earth. Blessed are You, Yahweh, who gathers in the dispersed of His people of Isra’el.
Blessing of the Restoration of Justice Restore our judges as in earliest times and our counselors as at first, and remove from us sorrow and groan. Reign over us, You, Yahweh alone with kindness and compassion. Justify us through judgment. Blessed are You, Yahweh, the King who loves righteousness and judgment.
Blessing of Spiritual Warfare And for slanderers let there be no hope and may all wickedness perish in an instant. And may all Your enemies be speedily cut down. May You speedily uproot, smash, cast down, and humble the sinners speedily in our days. Blessed are You, Yahweh, who breaks enemies and humbles sinners.
Blessing on the Righteous On the righteous and on the devout, on the elders of Your people the Family of Isra’el, on the remnant of their scholars, on the righteous converts and on ourselves, may Your compassion be aroused, Yahweh our Elohim, and give goodly reward to all who sincerely believe in Your Name. Put our lot with them forever, and we will not feel ashamed, for we trust in You. Blessed are You, Yahweh, mainstay and assurance of the righteous.
Blessing of the Rebuilding of Yerushaliym And to Yerushaliym, Your city, may You return in compassion, and may You rest within it, as You have spoken. May You rebuild it soon in our days as an eternal structure, and may You speedily establish the throne of Dawid within it. Blessed are You, Yahweh, the builder of Yerushaliym.
Blessing of the Dawidic Reign And the offspring of Your servant Dawid (David), may You speedily cause to flourish, and enhance His pride through Your salvation. For we hop in Your salvation all day long. Blessed are You, Yahweh, Who causes the pride of salvation to flourish.
Blessing of the Acceptance of Prayer Hear our voice, Yahweh our Elohim, pity and be compassionate to us. And accept with compassion and favor our prayer. For Elohim, who hears prayers and supplications are You. From before Yourself, our King, turn us not away empty-handed, for You hear the prayer of Your people Isra’el with compassion. Blessed are You, Yahweh, who hears prayer.
Blessing of Temple Service Be favorable, Yahweh our Elohim, toward Your people Isra’el and their prayer and restore the service to the Holy of Holies of Your Temple. The fire offerings of Isra’el and their prayers accept with love and favor, and may the service of Your people Isra’el always be favorable to You. May our eyes behold Your return to T’zion on compassion. Blessed are You Yahweh, Who restores His presence to T’zion.
Blessing of Modim We gratefully thank You, for it is You Who are Yahweh, our Elohim and the Elohim of our forefathers for all eternity. You are the Rock of our lives, the shield of our salvation are You from generation to generation. We shall thank You and relate Your praise – for our lives, which are committed to Your power and for our souls that are entrusted to You. For Your miracles that are with us every day and for Your wonders and favors in every season – evening, morning, and afternoon. The Blessed One, for Your compassions never ceases and Your kindness never ends. Always will we put our trust in You. For all these, may Your Name be blessed and exalted, our King continually forever and ever. Everything alive will gratefully acknowledge You, Selah! And everyone will praise Your Name sincerely, O Elohim of our salvation and help, Selah! Blessed are You, Yahweh, Your name is the Beneficent One and to You it is fitting to give praise.
Blessing for Shalom Establish shalom, goodness, blessing, graciousness, kindness, and compassion upon us and upon all of Your people Isra’el. Bless us, our Father, all of us as one, with the light of Your countenance, for with the light of Your Torah of life and a love of kindness, righteousness, blessing, compassion, life and peace. And may it be good in Your eyes to bless Your people Isra’el, in every season and in every hour with Your shalom. Blessed are You, Yahweh, who blesses His people with shalom.
*for all things spiritual go to www.emetministries.com
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