Jewish 101: Jewish Prayer

What Is Jewish Prayer?

Jewish prayer is mainly built around a daily rhythm of set times and structured texts. The tradition of praying three times a day, Shacharit the morning prayer, Minchah the afternoon prayer, and Ma'ariv the evening prayer, developed during the second temple period. It reflects both biblical precedent and a connection to the practices of the patriarchs.

The Structure of the Services

Each service contains multiple sections: verses of praise, blessings before and after the scripture readings, core prayers, silent meditation, and communal responses. The order of prayer helps guide the worshipper from preparation into focused prayer and then into reflection. While the texts may vary slightly by tradition, the structure remains remarkably consistent across Jewish communities worldwide.

On Shabbat and holidays, a fourth service is added, Musaf, which reflects the additional sacrifices once brought in the temple. Special prayers such as Hallel, Yizkor, and Selichot are added during specific times of the year, giving each season of the calendar its own spiritual tone.

The Siddur

While much of the prayer is recited communally in the synagogue, it can also be recited wherever one is, alone or with others. The prayer book, the siddur, helps preserve the order and unity of this daily prayer, linking individuals to a wider community and a long tradition.

Prayer in the New Testament

In the New Testament, we find the observance of these same patterns of prayer, among several other examples. Besides going to the synagogue on Shabbat, in Acts 3 Peter and John are described going to the temple at the hour of prayer. And Yeshua is recorded praying at both morning and evening times, often quoting the psalms or drawing from traditional blessings.

Jewish prayer is not only personal, in the individual's relationship with God, but also communal and historical, connecting the individual to the faith of his or her forefathers.