Jewish 101: Jewish Prayer
Table of Contents
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.
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Glossary
Hallel (הַלֵּל) means “praise” and often refers to Psalms 113-118, recited on festivals and special days.
Ma’ariv (מַעֲרִיב) is the evening prayer service in Jewish liturgy.
In the Bible, minchah (מִנְחָה) referred to a grain offering given to God as an act of worship, and today, often also refers to the afternoon Jewish prayers.
Musaf (מוּסָף) means “additional” and refers to the extra prayer service on Shabbat, festivals, and Rosh Chodesh.
Selichot (סְלִיחוֹת) means “forgivenesses” and refers to the prayers of repentance said especially before and during the High Holy Days.
Shabbat (שַׁבָּת) refers to the seventh day, the Sabbath, set apart by God as a holy day of rest, worship, and delight (see Genesis 2:1-3).
Shacharit (שַׁחֲרִית) is the morning prayer service in Jewish liturgy.
Siddur (סִדּוּר) means “order” and refers to the Jewish prayer book, which arranges the daily, Shabbat, and festival prayers used in worship.
Synagogue (beit knesset בֵּית כְּנֶסֶת) is a Jewish place of prayer, study, and community gathering.
Yeshua (יֵשׁוּעַ) is the Hebrew name of Jesus, meaning "salvation"
Yizkor (יִזְכֹּר) means “may He remember” and often refers to memorial prayers for those who have passed away.