It should of course go without saying that prayer to the LORD is first found in the Hebrew of the Hebrew Bible! In fact, the vast majority of Biblical prayer is in the Hebrew Bible.
As we explain in our teaching Hebrew certainly was the language Yeshua prayed in. (Cf. Acts 26:14-15 and Yeshua’s calling to Paul. Cf. Lk. 4:16-20, Lk. 9:28-36 Mount of Transfiguration Moses and Elijah speak with Yeshua. Obviously this would have been in Hebrew!).
The very first recorded prayer by man to the LORD was in Hebrew, by Abraham Gen. 20:17. (The LORD instructs Abraham to pray, here, to “intercede” for Avimelech.)
A “Hebrew heart”, which does not require knowing a single Hebrew letter, is infinitely more important than a PhD level knowledge of Biblical Hebrew in the mind without a “Hebrew heart”!
We teach on how to acquire a “Hebrew heart”.
In short for here the “key” is: to have a heart that acknowledges and honors that Hebrew is the language of the LORD, of Yeshua, of the great prayers of the Hebrew Bible, the Psalms, and that of Yeshua, and the first followers of Yeshua, the Jewish brothers. Cf. Acts 2:42, 3:1, 10:9, etc. Cf. Paul Acts 22:1-3, 24:17-18, etc.
(A quick note on Acts 2:42 and 22:1-3. Luke’s Koine Greek rendering in Acts 2:42 refers to specific prayer; not “prayer” in general as some translations. This specific reference indicates the first Jewish brothers (i.e., followers of Yeshua) were praying the traditional Jewish prayers in Hebrew that they normally did. Cf. Acts 3:1!
Some translations – notably the NIV (New International Version) – translate “Aramaic” – rather than Hebrew – as the language that Paul addressed the Jewish crowd in Jerusalem with. Acts 22:1-3. That is incorrect. We explain in our teaching why some Western Tradition translations tend to refer to Hebrew’s close sister language Aramaic, rather than Hebrew!)
Another “key” is to recognize that in the actual Biblical model, help and blessing flows “from Zion” i.e. Jerusalem Ps. 20:2-6 Hebrew, v. 3 et al.
(Is there somewhere in Scripture where help and blessing actually flows from, a Gentile source, affiliation, or Building? If so, where?)
A “Hebrew heart” also very much means a heart like the Mashiach (the original Hebrew word translated “Messiah”, but with more to it). Yeshua is the original Hebrew name “Jesus” actually calls himself. Cf. Acts 26:14-15. Cf. Yochanon (“John’s” original Hebrew name) 20:16.
The “Hebrew heart” approaches everything – and prayer in particular – from the dynamic of a focus on the Universal i.e., “the Big Picture”, that moves to “concrete specifics”.
So then (and as the rabbis correctly point out here, based on Scripture!) begin with the following:
Have a real heart and pray for all those who need whatever it is you are seeking or need through prayer.
Then, pray for those you know who may be in the same situation or have the same need. Last, pray for whatever it is you need or that of your loved ones or friends.
Though a very popular focus-emphasis in Western Tradition and Western culture, eliminate your focus on Self.
As Paul put it, (in Greek) immediately before pointing out the total “no Self” of Yeshua in Philippians 2:5-11, “Not to the interest of yourself look, but – in strong contrast – specifically (look) to the interests of others”. Phpn. 2:3-4, v. 4.
Jerusalem
Jerusalem should not be seen as a theological “concept”, “a place I’d like to visit one day”, a place in the secular news from time to time, or a place one does not think of much – if at all.
For followers of Yeshua, the “key” question is, “where is Yeshua returning to”? Is it a Gentile mega-assembly? A denominational headquarters – or Jerusalem?
How – exactly – is Heaven described in Revelation 21-22?
Psalm 122:6 in Hebrew says, “extend the hands and ask for the shalom (in part meaning) serenity, deep positive peace, prosperity (of) Jerusalem, may they be serene who love you”. (Translated simply as “pray for the peace of Jerusalem, may they prosper who love you”. In Hebrew it is 3 words
“Extend the hands and ask” is a form of prayer and the one that Yeshua actually uses to the Father in Yochanon (the original Hebrew name of “John” “God is gracious”) 17:9, 15, 20.
One of the great prayers in the Bible is Daniel 9. There we read of Daniel, who along with many of his follow Jews was in Exile.
Daniel turned towards Jerusalem in offering his prayer (Daniel 9:2-3 with vss. 16-18).
So, though not required we would certainly encourage you to face toward Jerusalem if at all possible, when praying.
Remember – it is Jerusalem that Yeshua wept over in Luke 19:41. It is also Jerusalem that Yeshua returns to. Cf. Acts 1:11.
Yeshua sends the Taught Ones (“Disciples”) first to Jerusalem – and last to the “ends of the Earth” – not the opposite! Cf. Zech. 8 and 14, et al.
It is Jerusalem that Yeshua wept for! Luke 19:41. Especially see Psalm 137 also!
Part of the purpose for a Christian to face toward Jerusalem in prayer is again, that one acknowledges and affirms that the LORD chose, and that Yeshua chose, to send the Word forth from Jerusalem. Ish. 2:2-3, Acts 1 etc.
(Regarding Gentile leadership “sources” as the “actual” source of the Word, as Western Tradition likes to put forth, please cf. 1 Corinthians 4:7, 14:36. Cf. also Romans 15:27!).
Regarding Jerusalem, one should note that Jerusalem-Zion (Hebrew “Excellence”) is mentioned/referred to over 700 times in the Bible! Cf. especially Ps. 137!
One should note Ps. 137:6 more deeply in Hebrew, “Let it adhere (tightly) my tongue, to (the) palate (of) me if in fact (individually) I do not call to mind with affection leading to action, if in fact (individually) I do not elevate up (the) essence and substance and everything about Jerusalem, over (the) head (i.e., the foremost) deep joys (of) me.”
We neglected above to point out that Ps. 122:6 (simply translated as) pray for the peace of Jerusalem”, is part of the following.
Ps. 122 was used in ancient times as part of 15 “Psalms” – Hebrew “Shine Forth -Songs of Praise” – when Jewish pilgrims – including Yeshua – ascended up to Jerusalem. (Consecutively recited beginning with Ps. 120).
Why Use Scripture In Our Prayer Whenever Possible?
Can’t one pray in their own words? Absolutely! Better, (perhaps?) one’s own words said from the heart, than Scripture recited by rote or without much feeling.
However, as one fine contemporary Orthodox Jewish rabbi correctly explains; Ps. 69:14 speaks of “facilitating” a time of desired prayer.
To use the words of Scripture with the LORD acknowledges Him as the Source, and in a sense “returns” His Word to Him as the Source of all! While it should in no way be thought of or utilized to try to “manipulate” the LORD, there is this to consider.
Will the LORD not hear His Word? Will He not, as the Psalmists ask, “incline Your ear”?
(Not that they think God has a literal ear. Cf. Yochanon (“John”) 4:24).
To “incline the ear” has the idea-meaning of especially leaning toward/closer to something being said, rather than only hearing.
Thus, while our own words may of course be used, anytime we can utilize the Word to the Source of the Word, can only be if nothing else, even more honoring to God, the Source of the Word.
Some Very Practical Guidelines – Suggestions – Encouragement For Your Prayer
In short Yeshua puts as “firstly – first importance” the following. If one seeks to draw near to the LORD and one realizes one’s brother has something against them, first be “dialogued” (in the original) Matthew 5:23-24 cf. v. 21.
Thus, first attempt to restore or repair broken relationships – regardless of “fault”.
Forgive others – cf. Mt. 6:14-15. If necessary, let go of any grudges (cf. Leviticus 19:17-18) or negative feelings towards others or those who may have wronged us.
If you are unable to forgive/let go, ask the LORD to take it from you. First tell Him – sincerely – that you do not want this burden but have been unable to put it out of your heart!
Confess Any Sin
This does not mean beating yourself up emotionally! “Confess” in Hebrew means “to acknowledge ownership”. Acknowledge what you have or have not done but do so according to 1 Yochanon (“John”) 1:8-10, and with that in mind. (V. 9, if we “acknowledge ownership” of our sin, God forgives followers of Yeshua).
Utilizing Scripture For Prayer
We very warmly and strongly encourage you to first listen to our 1-hour audio teaching on Biblically Based Prayer.
Take The Universal – Big Picture Approach
First feel for all those in the situation you or a loved one are in.
If God forbid you are in an intensive care waiting room, remember that there are hundreds or thousands – around the World – in the same situation.
God forbid you are facing bankruptcy or loss of housing due to finances or other desperate financial situations? First pray for those in your situation.
Need a job, work, housing, etc.? First pray for all those who need it too.
You can simply pray “LORD, only You know all those who need” and express whatever the need is.
Then, pray for others you may know in the same situation, then yourself or loved one, or friend.
Need healing/repair of broken family relationships, people struggling with addiction, abusive pasts, or whatever the need is? First pray for healing and repair of the World. Do whatever you can – do not neglect what you may be able to do!
Then, pray for reconciliation, softening of a cold heart from someone you love or know etc. Of course, first pray that the other be open to your effort to reconcile/restore things.
Prayer – properly and Biblically understood – is never a substitute for things we can do!
God does not send checks drawn on the First Heavenly Bank and Trust. The LORD can – and does – move people who He provides with resources from Him, to help others.
Prayer only is utilized after we have tried to repair a relationship, warm a cold heart, attempted to have an institution help us pay what is rightfully due to us, etc.
I would have given anything (almost!) if I simply could have said “LORD please supernaturally put a website on the internet for me.” We all know it doesn’t work that way!
At times we have to make what in Hebrew is called “(an) effort”. Cf. Mt. 7:7-8, Eph. 6:11, Jacob (not “James”) 4:7, 1 Pet. 5:8-9.
Prayer for healing is not of course a substitute for seeking competent medical advice!
The LORD also very much works through His Creation.
Though a doctor may “think” what he does is by “him” it really is only and by Him! That is, the LORD works through the doctor.
Our concern here especially is for those situations where we have expended every effort. However no change, no improvement has been made and none seems forthcoming. A cold heart stubbornly refuses to be warm. A hurt from years ago will not heal. Someone steadfastly refuses not only to be reconciled with, they will not return a call or listen to others who try to intervene.
The doctors have said, “there’s nothing we can do” or “there’s nothing more we can do” Or, “unfortunately it’s just a matter of time now”, or “barring a miracle…”.
Of course, prayer should be included even when, please LORD, in the name of Yeshua (the original and actual Hebrew name “Jesus” called himself Acts 26:14-15!), medically speaking especially, things are “under control”. We most definitely should not wait until we are desperate!
The Bible is more than very abundantly clear that God is both Imminent and Transcendent.
That is, that He is both near and beyond in the Highest Heavens.
God is very close to those that are His (2 Timothy 2:19 cited by Paul from Numbers 16:5, etc., etc.). That said, it has been well said that “God is not a warm and fuzzy Grandpa”.
Meaning that unlike a grandpa, God does not “spoil” His children by just immediately giving what is asked for – and then some. (Ask grandpa for a cookie and he gives you two!).
It has also been well said “God is not a cosmic vending machine”. You do not insert a prayer and out comes what you want, like putting a dollar in a soda machine, then selecting the drink you want!
There is a Hebrew verse well known to observant Jews; “know before Whom you stand”. This would stand all in good stead! Observant Jews say (as part of traditional morning blessings upon arising i.e., praises to God) “(the) beginning (of) wisdom is fear-reverence (of the) LORD, His praise stands to (a) hidden time” Ps. 111:10. (The best I can render something that really does not translate in English).
While we should not of course be too “scared” to approach the LORD, we should have an attitude of great respect and show the proper reverence to the God of the Universe.
In short God should not be seen as too distant or unapproachable. He wants us to draw near to Him! He has provided the Way.
Yeshua’s great “extend the hands and ask” (cf. Ps. 122:6 in Hebrew) prayer in Yochanon (“John”) 17:20-23 includes that the Father, he (Yeshua) and Yeshua’s followers be “absolute compound oneness absolute one”. (Again, trying to render a Hebrew word that does not translate). Cf. Dt. 6:4, cited by Yeshua in Mk. 12:28-34 vss. 28-30.
My Dad, whom I loved very dearly and “idolized” once reminded me when I was in college, “I’m your father; not one of the guys!”. I never forgot it!
The LORD should not be seen too informally either!
You can personally talk to Him; 24/7 and 365! He does want to hear from you.
(Said sensitively) if a loving earthly father wants to hear from his children, how much more our Heavenly Father wants to hear from His children!
Again, utilizing His Word back to Him, affirms and acknowledges and praises Him as the Source of All.
The rabbis correctly and astutely point out that prayer from the Bible helps us when we have no words of our own.
You can thus utilize His Word, again the “Shine Forth – Songs of Praise” the “Psalms” perhaps primarily if or when your own words fail you. Or, “I don’t know what to pray.” “This situation is such that I simply don’t know what to pray or pray for.”
You can demonstrate your steadfastness – the real idea of the Biblical Hebrew for “faith” – by using His Word.
We wish to very much encourage you to do so most especially during times when things “don’t make sense” or “I really don’t understand this one”.
This is exactly when we need most to turn to Him, as is said in Hebrew “none else beside Him”.
The most difficult times are exactly the times we need to turn to the LORD the most!
Please remember that the LORD told the Israelites – His (in Hebrew) Specially Chosen People and His son (Ex. 4:22-23) the following.
That things would be revealed to (in context) the Israelites and their children, etc.; but the secret things belong to the LORD (Cf. Deut. 29:25. It’s actually the reverse order).
The LORD also told the Jewish People through the Prophet Yeshayahu (“Isaiah”) that His ways are above theirs as the Heavens are above the Earth.
Anyone who is a follower of Yeshua, knows that through being, in the original, in union gathered together in fellowship with Yeshua with God (cf. the Greek of Colossians 3:1-3 etc. Cf. especially Matthew 7:7-11!) that the Father is always there!
We were remiss above in not pointing out the Lord’s Prayer Mt. 6:8-10; please be sure to see vss. 7-8 also! We see in the Lord’s Prayer, a condensed version of what we have pointed out above.
Yeshua also instructs us not to worry about tomorrow as it has its own troubles. Mt. 6:34.
A radio preacher once wisely said that worrying in that vein, was like going to the bank to pay the interest on a loan we never took out!
In other words, while it is all too and very human, to worry (especially excessively so) about the future, it is like paying it forward on a loan we never took out!
Meaning, the future is not here yet. Take care of today; and as Yeshua instructs, do not worry about a future that is not yet here.
You can of course take necessary steps to prepare now for what you may have to do later.
What happens if that medical test that looked ominous, turns out to be nothing? By really worrying, we paid interest on a loan we never took out. In short, we worried for nothing!
In short for here, the main Hebrew word for “Prayer”, the word Yeshua no doubt originally used regarding the Lord’s Prayer, has this deeper meaning.
Prayer in short is not a wish or a hope as in Greek and English. Prayer means we “roll out” something with the idea of examining it. In Biblically based prayer in short we look at the LORD’s standards and measures. We ask, what are they?
Once we know, here is the “key”. Are we in line with His standards and what He desires? With His will? Cf. Mt. 7:21-24.
If not, are we willing to change to conform to His will – or do we expect Him to “change” so we get what we need? We of course need to change to conform to His standards and measures, and His will. Cf. Mt. 7:21-24.
One of the great Torah teachers (i.e., rabbinic commentators) of the 19th century astutely and correctly points out the following.
Prayer means we also “take in the things of God that are outside of ourselves that need to be taken in”. Meaning, the type of Attributes that the LORD exercises toward Man, and as literally embodied in Mashiach Yeshua (Messiah Yeshua). Again, Yeshua being the actual Hebrew name “Jesus” called himself – and was originally known by. We explain much on this we hope, in our teaching. Cf. Acts 26:14-15. Cf. Mt 1:21 and v. 23 in the original. Cf. Yochanon (“John”) 20:16.
In short for here, “made in the image and likeness of God” (Gen.1:26. v. 28) in Hebrew has nothing whatsoever to do with any “physical” likeness. Rather, it has to do with Man being made in the moral and ethical “likeness” of God.
The “key” Attributes of the LORD, traditionally known as the Thirteen Attributes of Mercy, can be found in the LORD’s revelation to Moshe Ex. 34:6-7.
Yeshua literally embodied “…specifically the subject named, grace and in connectedness specifically the subject named, truth” Yochanon (“John’s” original Hebrew name; “(the) LORD is gracious”) 1:17.
In short grace is defined more deeply in lexicons as when Man desires to know the LORD more, He kindles in him the exercise of godly attributes towards others.
Truth in Hebrew also means reliable. Yeshua was thus the literal embodiment of these – and also obviously all of the LORD’s Attributes towards Man.
The main Hebrew word for prayer – Hebrew being the prayer language of Yeshua and the Jewish brothers Yeshua personally sent out (cf. Acts 2:42, 3:1, 24:17-18, etc.) – also means intercede. One of the great Jewish commentators of the Middle Ages points out that it can also have the idea of “connect”.
What was the very first prayer by man to the LORD? The Torah shows us that this was by the great Patriarch Abraham; and, that it was for Abraham to “intercede” for a Canaanite king, Avimelech. Gen. 20:7, v. 17-18.
What is truly remarkable and provides a tremendous lesson, is the following. It foreshadows Yeshua’s teaching to “love (meaning in part desire for the best for the other…complete devotion to the other your (collective; “your” here is plural) enemies…and in connectedness pray intercede/connect (“you” here again is plural)” Matthew 5:44, is this.
In short, the Torah clearly shows us that Avimelech was for all intents and purposes, an enemy of Abraham Gen. 20. See in particular v. 7.
Abraham intercedes for Avimelech in prayer. Abraham, in Hebrew, will intensely act upon himself in prayer, regarding, the enmity-bitterness between God and Avimelech that Avimelech caused by his action towards Abraham. (In short for here, the Hebrew verbal form used has no English equivalent).
Christians should also particularly note that God also calls Abraham a Prophet in Gen. 20:7. This is the Bible’s first use of this, and it has nothing to do with Abraham predicting the future!
(What “Prophet” actually is, from its original Hebrew meaning, is a separate discussion. Suffice for here, that this too is much more than Christians are typically taught!)
Again in short; Abraham here foreshadows Yeshua’s teaching in Mt. 5:44 about prayer for those who persecute you – collectively. Also in short, it should be noted that Abraham interceded on behalf of the righteous – had there been any – in S’dom and Amorah (“Sodom and Gomorrah”) Gen. 18:23-33.
The great godly and Mashiach like attributes that Abraham exercised towards others is no doubt why the Ruach Hakodesh (the original Hebrew name of the Holy Spirit) inspired Paul to write in part that Abraham was the (spiritual) father of the followers of Yeshua; Galatians 3:6-9. (In addition very much of course to Abraham’s steadfastness in God – rather than “faith-belief” in God).
Have Steadfastness Rather Than “Faith”
In short, the Hebrew word “steadfast/steadfastness” has no Greek equivalent. As we explain in our teaching, the Renewed Covenant Scriptures – a more accurate and authentic name than “New Testament” (cf. the original of Luke 22:19-20) – is written in Koine (“Common”) Greek. However, it is written by those whose understanding-thinking and thought world is overwhelmingly Hebraic.
In short for here; Acts 26:14-15 tells us Yeshua calls to Paul in Hebrew on the Damascus Road (Acts 9).
In short, that tells us fundamentally and foundationally where both are rooted; in Hebrew.
Why is this “key”? What has this to do with “faith” and prayer?
In short, Koine Greek is idea-concept oriented, hence “faith-belief” (from the KG “pistis”). (Please note we use “KG” as a shortened version of “Koine Greek” throughout our teaching.) Hebrew is “concrete” oriented. Meaning, it doesn’t deal so much with ideas-concepts, but the “concrete reality” of things.
The “Hebrew heart” does not see the LORD in terms of “concept” or have “ideas” about the LORD, generated by the intellect.
The Bible shows us that the Jewish people – uniquely – experienced, heard, and saw the remarkable things He did for them.
Also, Creation was all the “proof” they needed. The ancient Israelites never wrestled with the question post-Biblical Western Man does, “does God exist and how can I know”?
The Israelites “knew” Hebraically; meaning as we explain in our teaching “by experience, intimacy, personal relationship”, that the LORD of the Heavens and the Earth “Be”, the ultimate “concrete” reality.
The Jewish brothers – all Jews – that Yeshua personally chose did not follow him because Yeshua made a Western style “intellectually compelling argument” about himself.
In short, they saw and experienced something that distinguished him from other Jewish teachers in Israel in the 1st century. Cf. Luke 5:1-11!
Yeshua is not looking for “faith” and “belief”. Those are a Greek idea concept. Here is the “key”.
In Hebrew “faith” really means “steadfast/steadfastness”. There is a beautiful word picture associated with it. That of “a nail secure in a wall you can hang something on.”
Yeshua is really looking for those who will “hang their steadfastness on me like a nail secure in a wall”.
That “concrete” approach is what Yeshua really expresses and what his fellow Jews, especially his fellow Jews of Galilee, actually heard!
(Obviously some accepted this, while many did not).
In short KG (again, “Koine Greek”) is the written language of the RCS (Renewed Covenant Scriptures) because it is the language of the 1st century Roman Empire.
In short, the understanding, thinking, and thought world of Yeshua – especially – and the RCS writers, is primarily Hebraic.
Here is the “key”. KG sometimes lacks an equivalent word or does not have the sense of meaning of Hebrew.
Thus at times the RCS writers have to use a KG word – though they are thinking Hebraically. This is especially so with both Matthew and most especially Yochanon.
In their teaching they could explain what they really meant (cf. Acts 18:11), but in their Letters they cannot always express it exactly.
A “key” to prayer is not having “faith” but rather being steadfast/having steadfastness.
In short, the great men and women of the Bible had “steadfast steadfastness” in the LORD, even when they did not “understand” His ways.
Even when, “this does not seem to make sense”.
God is not – at all – bound to operate in ways that we “understand”, with our puny intellect. (Though Western Man at times has made his “Intellect” his “god”!)
What is translated “statutes” in the Torah, the Five Books of Moses, did not necessarily seem “logical”. Nor did they have to! To the Israelites the fact that the LORD revealed or instructed something be done, was enough. The Israelites did not first need to “analyze” it to see if it made “sense/is rational-logical”.
The Israelites had received and experienced collectively great miracles. These things in short were done through physical means.
King David in the “Shine Forth – Songs of Praise” (“Psalms”) sings of what the LORD had done for him in repeatedly delivering him from the hands of his enemies – within and without.
The author of the RCS Book of Hebrews provides us a prime example of an RCS writer who lacks a KG word for a “key” Hebrew word.
Hebrews chapter 11 is often called “The Great Chapter of Faith”. In context – context always being “key” to understanding Scripture – the author seeks to strengthen the steadfastness of his fellow Jewish followers of Yeshua.
Hebrews is written about 3½ decades after Yeshua’s Resurrection. Yeshua is no longer physically to be seen, heard, and experienced. The Jewish followers written to are increasingly under pressure because of their steadfastness in Yeshua as the Jewish Mashiach (“Messiah”, as explained above).
The author (unknown, our guess is Apollos) writes in part to strengthen their weakening steadfastness in Yeshua as their Mashiach (Anointed Messiah).
Hebrews 11 opens by referring to steadfastness about things, which in KG cannot in fact be “scrutinized, observed closely”. The author then rolls out a long list of the greats of the Hebrew Bible – and their steadfastness.
However, in writing to Jewish brothers in the Diaspora, that is, outside of Israel, he writes in KG, the commonly spoken language of much of the 1st century Roman Empire.
In short the greats of the Hebrew Bible knew not a letter of Greek; their language was Hebrew. They have no concept of “faith-belief” in terms of an idea-concept. Their understanding is, “steadfast-steadfastness; like a nail secure in a wall you can hang something on”.
The author of Hebrews has to use forms of the KG “pistis” “faith-belief”. It is the only word he has for his particular point.
However, the “key” to know is that the greats of the Hebrew Bible referred to all had “steadfast-steadfastness”. After all, are they not Hebrews and not Greeks?
How does this help or apply to your prayer? We should have “steadfast-steadfastness” that He Who created the Heavens and the Earth, also knows every hair on our collective heads, as Yeshua taught in Luke 12:6-7. Yeshua emphatically said to his fellow Jews: do not worry!
God is ultimately in control, even if for His Purpose we do not always get the answer we desire.
Steadfast-steadfastness means we have that when we pray – and we continue to have it – whether we are answered with what we ask for – or not.
“Hebrew heart” prayer is not that of Greek or English. Meaning, it is not a “wish” or a “hope”.
It is examining ourselves as explained above, seeing if we are in line with His standards and measures. Then, with confidence coupled with respect and reverence, we express the inner need of our heart.
Our expression should begin with praise and honor of the LORD. We should also affirm in our heart Jerusalem as His City and the place His Son Yeshua returns to! The place that as Psalm 20, help is dispatched from on the day of distress. Ps. 20:2-3. Cf. Revelation 21!
This serves to affirm and acknowledge how the LORD chose to send out His Word, through His Son Yeshua, the Jewish Taught Ones (“Disciples”) and the Jewish People! Cf. Deuteronomy 4-7, Isaiah 2:2-3, 42:6, 43:10, Zechariah 8 and 14 et al., Mt. 28:18-20, Acts 1:8, Acts 9:5-7, vss. 15-16, 13:1-3, etc.
Be sure to do as Yeshua instructed – to ask in his name. We encourage you to present prayers “in the name of Yeshua” because, will it not be even more honoring to affirm what Yeshua calls himself? You may use whatever name of Yeshua you like; that is your choice.
(Our responsibility is to be as accurate and authentic as possible. One day I will have to account for what I teach! Cf. Jacob – not “James” – 3:1).
Our concern is to help facilitate for all of us, what is honoring to the LORD and to help encourage and love His Creation – you.
Lest we forget, amen is from Hebrew and is a form of “steadfast-steadfastness”. When we say “amen”, more deeply we not only affirm what was just said, we also take it in and should benefit from it.
Our concern, as Psalm 69:14 H (v. 13 in Christian translations) is to help “facilitate” a time of desired favor for our prayer, as we explained a little above.
Do not “bombard” the LORD with prayer a la the ancient pagans; see Matthew 6:7! The pagans thought if they besieged their no god/s enough the “gods” would relent – and give them what they asked.
Instead, live your life as though it were a “prayer” to the LORD. Be encouraged to live an even more godly and Mashiach like life, as David sought, as Yeshua taught and exemplified for all of us, and as the Jewish brothers write in their RCS Letters.
Do not be afraid or reticent to ask the LORD – He wants us to – as Yeshua teaches in Mt. 7:7-11.
Just avoid the “bombardment” approach of some who are very well intended, but may not first ask, “What does He ask of us”?
Utilize His Word as much as possible, as we explained. Especially, if your own words fail you. Sometimes Scripture speaks for us when we are unable to speak for ourselves.
Nonetheless, be encouraged – your words are heard 24/7 365. This is not like modern “technology” that has “glitches”. If there are any “glitches”, simply examine ourselves, confess what may need to be, rectify what we can and then, seek to breakthrough if the Opponent tries to interfere! (Cf. Jacob (not “James”!) 4:7, 1 Peter 5:8, cf. Yochanon (“John”) 12:31, etc.). (Cf. Yochanon 1:8-10 confess in Hebrew which is how Yochanon thinks, means “acknowledge ownership of”. In Koine Greek it means literally “to say the same thing”)
Lastly in short, prayer is not to Yeshua.
This is a well-intended error made by many!
Prayer is to the Father, in the name of Yeshua, as Yeshua instructs. Can we talk with Mashiach? Absolutely! Absolutely!
Prayer though, again, is not to him, it is to the Father, in Yeshua’s name.
If you would like me to include your prayer requests in my traditional Hebrew prayers and would like others to do so (in English) please let us know.
We are here both to teach/disciple – primarily – but also to minister through His Words, His love and encouragement – to you.
For all of us, “And in connectedness (to what was just said) may my prayer toward You LORD (be in) a time desired, favorable, God; in/by with abundance of Your overflowing abounding loving kindness-mercy, mercy translated into action (type) love, answer me in/by/with truth – reliable (of) Your salvation-deliverance-victory” Psalm 69:14 (v. 13 English).
Offered in, the name of Your Son Yeshua Hamashiach.
May our wondrous wonderful LORD richly bless you!
In His love, your Jewish brother Jacob
Ps. 69:14 (Hebrew), Rom. 8:26-28, v. 31, 1 Thess. 5:17,25, Rev. 5:8.
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