Holy City Prayer

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The Holy City Prayer Society

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Our Prayer for You

Members of the Holy City Prayer Society in Israel pray daily for all members. We have designed a general prayer, based on tradition thousands of years old, which is said daily with each member in mind.

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Traditional Prayers

A list of these traditional prayers and translated excerpts from them are provided here. More translations will be provided with time. Please refer back to this page to check progress.

We recommend using some or all of these formulated prayers as a starting point for your own prayers.

God's Temple and the Patriarchs:

Thoughts and Prayers from Jerusalem

Shalom from Jerusalem!

[The fixed format of] Prayer was established by our forefathers. Others say that they were established based on the daily sacrifices.

Brachot 26

Why bother with fixed formats of prayer when God yearns for the heart? Our sages offer two ideas. First of all, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob initiated the idea of standard prayers. If they, who had a Direct Line with God, saw the benefit of this, we would be wise to follow their lead.

Similarly, if God commanded us to offer sacrifices daily in His Holy Temple, and today (to our sorrow) this service is cancelled because of the Temple's destruction, the best we can do to both achieve our aims and strive for the Temple's reconstruction is to invoke our hope that we will return to God's preferred service daily.

Today, think about our forefathers and God's House, and your prayer will have an added dimension.

Today's Prayer: Modeh Ani

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God's Love is a Two Way Street:

Thoughts and Prayers from Jerusalem

Shalom from Jerusalem!

What are pains of Love? All pain that has no detrimental effect on prayer.

Brachot 26

Recognizing the human condition, the sages commented on human pain and suffering.

If you can still pray, then your sufferings are a sign that God loves you.

Interestingly, the quote itself does not specify whose Love it refers to - ours or God's. A simple reading of the source would suggest God's, but one can also say that as long as we pray, we reemphasize our love for God, and that puts our pain into perspective.

Today, when you pray, think about your own difficulties, recognize that others' can be much worse, and add thanks to God for your own "paper bag" of woes.

Today's Prayer: Thanks for Bodily Functions 

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Set a Space for Prayer:

Thoughts and Prayers from Jerusalem

Shalom from Jerusalem!

Rabbi Helbo taught in the name of Rabbi Huna: If you set a permanent, regular spot for your prayer, the God of Abraham is at your side. And when you pass on, you will be eulogized "What a humble person! What a righteous person! A disciple of Father Abraham was this!" Abraham set a spot for his prayer, as it is written: "And Abraham got up early in the morning and went to that spot that he stood beforehand, contemplating God's countenance (Genesis 19, 27)."

Brachot 26

Why is humility and righteousness associated with regular prayer space?

Our sages emphasize the importance of setting a space to pray, ensuring that we are not distracted. Our Father Abraham was the first to recognize this, setting the stage for sincere people of faith after him forever.

Perhaps, someone who puts aside all other pursuits when praying, recognizes that nothing is more important than the prayer relationship with God. "Putting me and my interests last" is synonymous with humility, and is the first step towards effective and meaningful prayer.

Today, decide where you will pray before you pray.

Today's Prayer: Prayer For The Soul

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Set a Time for Prayer:

Thoughts and Prayers from Jerusalem

Shalom from Jerusalem!

Rabbi Chalbo said in the name of Rabbi Huna, A person must always be careful in regard to the afternoon prayer, as Elijah's prayers were only answered during ther afternoon prayer, as it is written: "And it came to pass, and it was the afternoon, and Elijah the prophet [said]... Answer me, God! Answer me!" (First Kings, chapter 18).
Rabbi Yochanan said, [A person should be careful in regard to] the evening prayer as well, as it is written: "May my prayer be acceptable to you, the gift of my hands will be my offering in the evening" (Psalms 141).
Rabbi Nachman bar Yitzchak said, [A person should be careful in regard to] the morning prayer as well, as it is written: "God, hear my voice in the morning, in the morning I will pray to you and look forward to your answer" (Psalms 5).

Brachot 26

Our sages emphasize the importance of praying at set times. As Elijah and the Psalmist call out to God to heed their prayers at morning, noon, and night, we can take their cue and pray at these times and trust in His response.

Upon deeper consideration, Elijah's behavior in the story mentioned is incredible, some might call it chutzpah. How can Elijah force God's hand?

Of course, Elijah was a prophet, one of the greatest. Perhaps this story comes to teach us how true faith, as bright as the noonday sun, can raise our prayers to the level of prophecy.

Today, decide when you will pray before you pray.

Today's Prayer: Adon Olam: Poem extolling the King of the Universe

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Thanksgiving Prayer (Hodu) - Part Two

This passage is recited each morning as a continuation of 1 Chronicles, chapter 16. It is a compendium of verses from Psalms.
Exalt the Lord our God and bow to His footstool, he is Holy. (Psalms 99:5)
Exalt the Lord our God and bow to His holy mountain, for the Lord our God is Holy. (Psalms 99:9)
God is Merciful, he will forgive sin, and will not destroy. He abundantly restrains His anger, and does not awaken His entire rage. (Psalms 78:38)
You, God, will not withhold Your lovingkindness from me. Your grace and truth will always protect me.(Psalms 40:12)
Remember Your mercies, oh God, and your kindness, as they have [no end and] no beginning. (Psalms 25:6)
Give strength to God, for His pride is upon Israel, and His strength is in the heavens. (Psalms 68:35)
God is awesome from Your sanctuaries. The God of Israel gives strenght and power to His people, blessed is God. (Psalms 68:36)
God is Lord of vengeance, the God of vengeance has appeared. Arise, O Judge of the land, and render to the haughty their just rewards. (Psalms 94:1-2)
Salvation is of God, Your blessings are on your people, Selah! (Psalms 3:9)
The Lord of Hosts is with us, he is a stronghold for us, the God of Jacob. Selah! (Psalms 46:8)
Oh Lord of Hosts! Happy is the man who trusts in You. (Psalms 84:13)
Oh Lord! Save us the King will answer us on the day that we call Him. (Psalms 20:10)
This passage is recited each morning as a continuation of 1 Chronicles, chapter 16. It is a compendium of verses from Psalms.
Exalt the Lord our God and bow to His footstool, he is Holy. (Psalms 99:5)
Exalt the Lord our God and bow to His holy mountain, for the Lord our God is Holy. (Psalms 99:9)
God is Merciful, he will forgive sin, and will not destroy. He abundantly restrains His anger, and does not awaken His entire rage. (Psalms 78:38)
You, God, will not withhold Your lovingkindness from me. Your grace and truth will always protect me.(Psalms 40:12)
Remember Your mercies, oh God, and your kindness, as they have [no end and] no beginning. (Psalms 25:6)
Give strength to God, for His pride is upon Israel, and His strength is in the heavens. (Psalms 68:35)
God is awesome from Your sanctuaries. The God of Israel gives strenght and power to His people, blessed is God. (Psalms 68:36)
God is Lord of vengeance, the God of vengeance has appeared. Arise, O Judge of the land, and render to the haughty their just rewards. (Psalms 94:1-2)
Salvation is of God, Your blessings are on your people, Selah! (Psalms 3:9)
The Lord of Hosts is with us, he is a stronghold for us, the God of Jacob. Selah! (Psalms 46:8)
Oh Lord of Hosts! Happy is the man who trusts in You. (Psalms 84:13)
Oh Lord! Save us the King will answer us on the day that we call Him. (Psalms 20:10)

Thanksgiving Prayer (Hodu) - Part One

This poem is from 1 Chronicles, chapter 16. King David sang it when he was bringing the Ark of the Lord to Giv'on:
Oh give thanks to the LORD, call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples.
Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; Speak of all His wonders.
Glory in His holy name; Let the heart of those who seek the LORD be glad.
Seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face continually.
Remember His wonderful deeds which He has done, His marvels and the judgments from His mouth,
O seed of Israel His servant, Sons of Jacob, His chosen ones!
He is the LORD our God; His judgments are in all the earth.
Remember His covenant forever, The word which He commanded to a thousand generations,
The covenant which He made with Abraham, And His oath to Isaac.
He also confirmed it to Jacob for a statute, To Israel as an everlasting covenant,
Saying, “To you I will give the land of Canaan, As the portion of your inheritance.”
When they were only a few in number, Very few, and strangers in it,
And they wandered about from nation to nation, And from one kingdom to another people,
He permitted no man to oppress them, And He reproved kings for their sakes, saying,
“Do not touch My anointed ones, And do My prophets no harm.”
Sing to the LORD, all the earth; Proclaim good tidings of His salvation from day to day.
Tell of His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all the peoples.
For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; He also is to be feared above all gods.
For all the gods of the peoples are idols, But the LORD made the heavens.
Splendor and majesty are before Him, Strength and joy are in His place.
Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples, Ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name; Bring an offering, and come before Him; Worship the LORD in holy array.
Tremble before Him, all the earth; Indeed, the world is firmly established, it will not be moved.
Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; And let them say among the nations, “The LORD reigns.”
Let the sea roar, and all it contains; Let the field exult, and all that is in it.
Then the trees of the forest will sing for joy before the LORD; For He is coming to judge the earth.
O give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; For His lovingkindness is everlasting.
Then say, “Save us, O God of our salvation, And gather us and deliver us from the nations, To give thanks to Your holy name, And glory in Your praise.”
Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, From everlasting even to everlasting. Then all the people said, “Amen,” and praised the LORD.

Blessing over Morning Psalms

Bless the One who spoke and the world sprang into existence; bless Him!
Bless the Maker of Creation! Bless the One who speaks and does; Bless the One who decrees and follows through!
Bless the One who has mercy upon the earth; Bless the One who has mercy upon His creatures!
Bless the One who pays a good reward to those who fear Him! Bless the One who lives forever and ever;
Bless the One who redeems and delivers!
You are the Source of Blessing, O Lord our God, King of the world, O God and merciful Father; praised by the
mouth of Your people, lauded and glorified by Your pious ones, and Your worshipers! As we praise You, O Lord
our God, with the songs of David Your servant, with praises and psalms we glorify You, and mention Your name,
and proclaim You our King, O our God, the Only One, the One who lives throughout all eternity; O King, praised
and glorified be Your great name for ever and ever.

You are the Source of Blessing, O Lord, the King who is extolled with praises.

Psalm 30

A psalm by David sung at the dedication of the temple.
I will honor you highly, O LORD, because you have pulled me out of the pit and have not let my enemies rejoice over me.
O LORD my God, I cried out to you for help, and you healed me.
O LORD, you brought me up from the grave. You called me back to life from among those who had gone into the pit.
Make music to praise the LORD, you faithful people who belong to him. Remember his holiness by giving thanks.
His anger lasts only a moment. His favor lasts a lifetime. Weeping may last for the night, but there is a song of joy in the morning.
When all was well with me, I said, "I will never be shaken."
O LORD, by your favor you have made my mountain stand firm. When you hid your face, I was terrified.
I will cry out to you, O LORD. I will plead to the Lord for mercy:
"How will you profit if my blood is shed, if I go into the pit? Will the dust of my body give thanks to you? Will it tell about your truth?"
Hear, O LORD, and have pity on me! O LORD, be my helper!
You have changed my sobbing into dancing. You have removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy
so that my soul may praise you with music and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks to you forever.

This beautiful poem extols the King of the Universe, starting with His eternity and omnipotence,
and ending with His closeness to whoever chooses to be close to Him.

Adon Olam

Master of the World, Who reigned before any creation was made,
When all was done according to His will, at that moment–"King" was His name.
And after all shall be finished, he shall rule alone in His awesomeness.
And he was, and he is, and he will be in glory.
And He is One, there is no second to compare to Him or that can align with Him.
Without beginning, without end, and His is power and sovereignty.
And He is my God, my Living Redeemer, and my Rock when I am afflicted at times of trouble.
And He is my banner and refuge, my cup's portion the day I call.
Into His hand I commit my spirit when I go to sleep until I awake.
And when my last breath comes and leaves my body an empty shell, the Lord is mine, I know no fear.

Prayer For The Soul

This prayer is traditionally said each morning. It sets the tone for the entire day, recognizing that without0
God's gift of rejuvenating our souls every day, even every minute, we would be no more than an empty shell.

My God!

The soul that You have given me is holy. You created it, You made it, You instilled it within me.
You guard over it inside me, and one day You will take it from me, and return it to me One Day in the future.

As long as my soul is inside me, I thank You, my God and God of my fathers, master of all creations, creator of all souls.

You are the Source of all blessings, God, Who returns souls to the dead.

Thanks For Bodily Functions

"A healthy soul in a healthy body," goes the saying. And we have no one to thank for our
physical health but the Chief Human Engineer Who created us all in His infinite wisdom.

This prayer is traditionally recited after leaving the restroom:

You are the Source of Blessing, O Lord our God, King of the Universe, who fashioned man
with wisdom, and created within him many openings and many cavities.

It is clearly known before Your Throne of Glory that if one of the organs which is closed should
open, or if one of the open ones should close, it would be impossible to exist and stand before you, even for a moment.

You are the Source of Blessing, God, who heals all flesh and performs wonders.

Modeh Ani

This prayer is said upon rising in the morning, before any other activity or speaking.

I acknowledge and thank You,
living and everlasting King,
for my soul which You have returned to me,
in great grace and loving kindness.

Your faith is wondrous.