Exploring Prayer in Judaism: Recent Episodes
Rabbi Yehuda Davis
I will be exploring prayer in Judaism. I hope to use this podcast to help understand exactly what prayer really is. The main idea why I am doing this, is for myself. I want the idea of prayer to become more real and prevalent in my own life, and I find that if I talk about my thoughts and ideas, they automatically become more real and tangible to me, as I cannot talk about something I haven't thought about extensively. Hopefully this will also help others grow in prayer from these podcasts too.
We don’t loose from praying. If something comes up, should we continue praying as usual?
How many things need to be done whilst praying? Does one need to have intent, or can one just say the words?
What is the foundation of prayer, what does prayer do to a person, and how does prayer work?
Does Hashem have anything to do with us? Can He really hear us? Is it even right to limit God?
Something prayed for is always worth more. Is something that comes through prayers different?
What’s the idea behind repeatedly praying? Should we ask for the same thing again and again? Is there really a point?
Why do Jews sway whilst praying? Why can’t we just stand still? Is there something more to the swaying (shokeling)?
Why can’t we pray how & when we want? Why are there so many different laws that come with prayer? Why do we get a set text?
Do I deserve to get what God gives me? How can I have the audacity to request things of God?
Why is prayer called ‘Tefillah’ in Hebrew? What is special about that word, and what does it mean? Maybe a hidden meaning and definition?
Why can’t we only pray, and then get answered? Why should we do physical acts if prayer can help?
Do we actually believe that we really need what we are asking for, or do we think we can manage without it?
Why do we have extra prayers? Why don’t we just skip to the parts when we ask? Is it not all a waste of time?
How can we turn something that we naturally do, into something holy, uplifting, and spiritual.
Many times we need something, but we can’t wait any longer. Here is a method that can give us what we need immediately!
Many times we pray again and again for the same thing, but nothing changes. Here is an amazing tip for our prayers to really be heard and not fall aside wasted.
If Hashem (God) knows everything already, so why do we need to pray to Him? Why can’t He step in and help us if He truly loves us? How does telling Him something He already knows help the situation?