A Primer on Prayer
Relax. Don’t agonize over keeping up with the pages. If you find a prayer whose words touch you, stay there. No need to rush.
Try not to carry on conversations. Not just because of decorum but because chit-chat undermines the mood of refection and deep thought for you as well as others.
Come early.
Stay late.
A brief encounter may leave you cold. Tap into the sprit of the day.
Relax again.
Think about you. Think about God. Perhaps try not to think at all.
Bring your whole self to the davenning. Put yourself into it. God loves you, haven’t you heard? And He wants to hear from you. Pour your heart out. Speak to Him. And listen.
Listening is critical. Do not just “read” the words of the siddur. Prayers were written by religious and psychological geniuses. When we open our hearts, the prayers the words form into a symphony.
Davenning is a privilege. You are participating in a mystical colloquy with God, man, Israel and the Jewish people-past, present and future.
Participate in the Torah reading. Visualize the event. Ask the actors why they are doing what they are doing.
Don't take your pulse. If you’re enjoying the services, let it take you. Forget yourself.
If it feels good and right, belt it out.
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