Daily Prayer
Read: Deuteronomy 6:4-5
For thousands of years, every morning and evening, Jewish people have prayed these well-known words as their way of expression their devotion to God.
Do you pray daily? What do your prayers include (blessings, requests, conversation, etc.)?
Imagine praying these same words every morning and every evening, along with other prayers designed for every aspect of life: when you get up out of bed, when you lie down to sleep, when you wash your hands or take a shower, when you eat, when you drink, when you begin your work, and many more.
What do you think the purpose of prayer is?
Deut. 6:4-5 is called “The Shema” because the first word is…shema. Let’s learn what this prayer really means:
Video: Listen/Hear/Obey
We cry out to God in prayer and expect God to respond. God also calls us to listen and respond with obedience.
How do you expect God to respond to your prayer? How do you feel about this same expectation coming back to you FROM God?
Video: Love
Who do you love (‘ahava’) and how do you show it? How does daily prayer show love to God (consider praying on behalf of others)? Is prayer just words?
Video: Heart
In ancient Hebrew culture, the heart (‘lavev’) is the center of thought, physical strength, emotions, and decision.
What ‘hurts your heart’ in our world? What ‘fills your heart’ in our world?
