Gratitude as a Spiritual Practice: The Modeh Ani Blessing.

Boker Tov, Shavua Tov

Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash

In the rich tapestry of Jewish tradition, prayer is a recurring thread. Jewish law advocates praying three times a day, amounting to a daily recitation of 100 Berachot, or blessings. This may seem like an immense act of devotion, especially for those leading busy, fast-paced lives. Transitioning from occasional prayer — perhaps only within the synagogue — to a regimen of 100 daily blessings might appear daunting. So how might we simplify this process? By starting small. By choosing a single prayer and integrating it into our daily routine.

The question then arises: "Which prayer should we begin with?" I propose we commence with an expression of gratitude, an essential element of Jewish spirituality. The Jewish tradition brims with blessings and prayers voicing thankfulness, but one stands out for our purpose: Modeh/Modah Ani.

Modeh/Modah Ani is a concise prayer recited immediately upon awakening, before even stepping out of bed. It's intended to be the first utterance of the day. Its words are uncomplicated yet deeply meaningful:

מודה אני לפניך מלך חי וקים שהחזרת בי נשמתי בחמלה, רבה אמונתך.

Modeh/Modah ani lifanecha melech (ruach) chai v'kayam shehechezarta bi nishmahti b'chemlah, rabah emunatecha.

I offer thanks to You, living and eternal spirit, for You have restored my soul within me; Your faithfulness is great.

This prayer acknowledges the gift of a new day from God. We wake up with a sentiment of gratitude, not preoccupied with the tribulations of the previous day or the impending tasks of the new one.

Life is full of challenges and uncertainties, and at times, these can seem overwhelming. It's all too easy to wake up anxious about what lies ahead. However, the simple act of reciting Modeh Ani can help to reframe our mindset and kickstart our day on a positive note.

Starting the day with the sentiment of gratitude can infuse our entire day with a similar sense of thankfulness. It prepares us to face the world with optimism and resilience, reminding us of the everyday blessings and fostering a more profound connection with the Divine. While we might not all achieve the goal of 100 blessings a day, introducing this simple prayer of gratitude to our routine can help us feel more connected to the world and God.

May this practice of waking up with gratitude bring joy and serenity into our lives.

Have a great day and a wonderful week.