Good Morning…HaShem.

by tzadikguy

The Master of the Universe granted me the privilege to arise this morning alive and well, and if you are reading this post then it is safe to say you were also granted the same privilege. An action as simple as waking up every morning is an amazing gift from HaShem that most people take for granted. How do you handle such a wonderful gift? Do you become infuriated with the alarm clock? Immediately turn on the radio, record player, or television? Do you go right to your computer? Sadly, these are just a few examples of morning activities that have become routine in our culture and society. How can we expect to spend the remainder of our day serving HaShem, if we begin by participating in worldly affairs? Thankfully there is a solution to this dilemma that is found in the Siddur {the book of traditional prayers and blessings}! The solution comes in the form of a short blessing that is traditionally sung or recited “Before getting off the bed or commencing any other conversation or activity” The blessing is as follows:

I thank you, living and eternal King, for returning my soul within me in compassion, great is your faithfulness.

Modeh ani l’faneykha, melekh chai vekayam, she-hechezarta bi nishmati bechemlah, rabbah emunatekha.

What a great way to commence each day! So many incredible things are included within this small prayer. First we are “thanking” Him for allowing us to wake by returning our soul to us. The reason for the wording of this section is that the act of sleeping places our bodies in a state nearer to death than any other time in our lives. When we are asleep we are helpless, vulnerable, and subject to our surroundings. We should pray before bed for HaShem’s protection and shelter, and upon arising to thank Him for His faithfulness. Secondly, we refer to HaShem as the “living and eternal King” which gives us a chance to demonstrate our respect and reverence for Him. He is alive, He is eternal, and He is our King. These facts are indisputable. Also included in this prayer is the verbal acknowledgment that HaShem is faithful and compassionate. Therefore we should also be faithful daily in our righteousness.

“⁹Therefore know that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments;…” Deuteronomy 7:9

Let’s begin our day by thanking our King and focusing on Him. As it is said in the Sh’ma:

“¹⁸ Therefore you shall lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. ¹⁹ You shall teach them to your children, speaking of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. ” Deuteronomy 11:18-19

To print a Modeh Ani {Blessing Upon Arising} study card, click here.

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