Praying for the rebuilding of the Temple

Shavuah Tov, (good week)  We would try to encourage everyone to remember where we are in relation to the Biblical Calendar. Today is the 5th of Av.  We are in the nine day period that mourns the destruction of the Temple.  If ever we needed a Temple in the Holy City its now.

Lets remember to say the prayer Yehi Ratzon.

May it be your will, HaShem our G-d and the G-d of our forefathers, that the Holy Temple be rebuilt, speedily in our days. Grant us our share in your Torah, and may we serve You there with reverence, as in days of old and in former years. Then the offering of Judah and Yerushalyim will be pleasing to HaShem, as in days of old and in former years

Modeh Ani

One the most positive prayers that we can offer is the modeh ani. Sources suggest that it should be said before we ever get out of bed. (This is my practice) Regardless, the modeh ani is our first contact with HaShem during the day. If we take the time to start the day by having a conversation with HaShem, we are more likely to spend the remainder of the day conversing with Him.

Jewish sources suggest that the prayer “Modeh Ani” is a prayer that reminds us that we (believers) will have our part in the resurrection. Being raised from sleep (a picture of death) is symbolic of the resurrection. Therefore, the “modeh ani” is picturesque of thanking HaShem for raising us from the dead after the resurrection. The “modeh ani” looks forward to the “olam haba” (world to come) and our being able to spend eternity with HaShem whom we have devoted our life and service to.

The following is a quotation of the “modeh ani”.

Modeh ani lefaneicha melech chai v’kayam shehechezarta bi nishmati bechemlah – rabbah emunatecha

I gratefully thank you, O living and eternal King, for You have returned my soul within me with compassion – abundant is Your faithfulness!

Regardless of whether you say the “modeh ani” or not, practice starting the day by having a conversation with HaShem. Start as soon as possible. It will set the mood for the day.

Another beauty of this prayers is the fact that HaShem raises us for purpose.  By this I mean that we have the soul refreshed and returned for a specific purpose. What is that purpose? Service.  We are raised each day for service to HaShem. The day we die will be the day we cease our service here on this mundane world.

Shalom