Expanded Awareness

This is a prayer for when I find myself consumed by reading a Facebook post, an article, or absorbed by my cell phone. It is for when I am experiencing intense focus and tunnel vision. This ritual prayer invites expanded awareness of our surroundings and God’s presence.

 

This is an expansion of the prayer that begins the AmidahLit. Standing One of the central prayers of the Jewish prayer service, recited silently while standing. asking Adonai to open our lips to praise. When I use this prayer, I remain focused on what I am engrossed in, but also think these words:

 

Adonai, sefatai tiftakh

Ufi yagid t’hilatekha

 

Adonai, open up my lips

So my mouth can speak Your praises. 

 

Koh, open up my ears 

So my heart can appreciate Your words.

 

Shaddai, open up my eyes 

So I can behold Your glory.

 

El Elyon, open up my back 

So what’s beyond my knowledge can feel You.

 

RuakhLit. Spirit. Some new versions of blessings call God "Spirit of the World" (Ruakh Ha’olam), rather than "King of the World" (Melekh Ha'olam)., open up my mind 

So my soul can experience Your love.

 

ShekhinahThe feminine name of God, expounded upon in the rabbinic era and then by the Kabbalists in extensive literature on the feminine attributes of the divine., let me be present to You inside me.

 

Ha Kol, open me up to include Your wholeness 

So I can serve All.

 

Blessed are You, Holy One, for expanding my awareness

So I can know Shalom.