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.
Don’t hesitate. Click here to sign up and we’ll start praying for you TODAY!
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.
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
Join the Holy City Prayer Society and we'll start praying for you TODAY
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
Like what you read here? Join the Holy City Prayer Society today!
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
What is more holy than prayer and Jerusalem? Join the Holy City Prayer Society and cherish both!
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
The Holy City Prayer Society is recruiting members. Join us today!
Free beautiful e-book
with
our Free newsletter
“Prayers and Thoughts from Jerusalem”:
Spread the word
Download the Holy City Prayer Society brochure, print a few, and put them in a relevant place.
Thank you!