Prayer is a deep response to crisis, even as it can also be a profound vehicle for expressing gratitude for the blessings we still enjoy, and it can be a strong reminder of the values we hold precious and that make our lives sacred. Many find prayer a way to ground the self and calm the spirit.
Here is a link to order a pdf copy of one of the prayer books – siddurim – produced by the Conservative movement. These include the Sim Shalom prayer book that we use at Shomrei, but also the new “Lev Shalem” edition. This edition, for the Days of Awe, is the one we adopted a few years ago. It has commentary and more transliteration. You can choose what you would like to order through this form:
The next pages include a few prayers composed recently. The first, by the journalist, Brad Burston, is a prayer that expands upon the traditional prayer of gratitude spoken when one first wakes up in the morning. The second is by Rabb Naomi Levy, a noted liturgist of the Conservative movement, and the third is by the Ursuline Sisters of Louisville, KY. Each one has a unique perspective and flavor. I hope one or more will aid you in opening and focusing your heart and spirit.
Va-ani t’filati, l’khah Adonai, et ratzon;
Elohim, b’rov hasdekha,
Aneni b’emet yish`ekha.
And I and my prayer (let us be one!), are for You, Eternally Present One, at this time of grace;
Almighty, in the abundance of Your love,
Answer me with Your true rescue! (Ps. 69:14)
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