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Seamus McGowan

The Prayer Paul Taught

Updated: Oct 25, 2022

First and foremost, I would like to make it known that the following is purely an opinion of mine. However, I do believe that this is a strongly supported opinion when we put the puzzle pieces on the board. So without further adieu, let us jump into why I believe Paul taught the early believers in his day, to pray the Amidah (Shemonah Esrei: The 18 blessing prayer) three times a day.


Now a little bit of background, because I understand that in that last sentence I dropped three different Hebrew words very few Christians are aware of or familiar with. The official name for the traditional prayer which is prayed by Jews all over the world three times every day is known as the “Shemonah Esrei,” which literally means “18” in Hebrew. It is so-called because it contains 18 short blessings of various topics ranging from G-d’s Holiness to petitions like praying for the sick. Another name for this prayer is the “Amidah” which is Hebrew for “standing,” because one stands with his feet together during this prayer. This prayer is said silently, only speaking loud enough that one can hear himself speak, but not loud enough that a person standing next to them can hear it, so that they are not distracted by you while they are doing the prayer themselves. Because of this, it is also often called “the silent prayer" as well.


What's in the prayer?

Below is a list of each blessing by its topic so that you have a general idea of the contents. A full text of the prayer, translated by me, will be provided at the end of this article for reference.

Praises

Petitions

Gratitude

The 19th Blessing You may have noticed that the list of 18 blessings contains 19 blessings. This is because the 12th blessing, “against enemies”, was added later sometime either during or just after the second temple’s destruction in 70 CE. The sources on when and why it was added are shaky at best, and a definitive origin story for it is very much in dispute. Some have suggested that it was added because of Christianity, though the evidence to support this is very little. There has been a prayer book that listed Christianity in the “enemies” blessing, but this is from the medieval period and was strongly condemned by the Jewish authorities at the time. The complicated history of the 12th blessing is beyond the scope of this article, but for now, just know that it is not a blessing against Christians especially. It has always existed in some form and would be added when terrible tragedies would happen, and eventually, it would find its place permanently in the Amidah¹.


More into history

Although the prayer itself isn’t written down until a few decades after Paul’s life, this is also true of many other facts in both Christian and Jewish history. The Mishnah² was written around the same time as the Gospels and Acts. Both of the major works are written about people and events that happened just decades before.


One of these events is the finalization of the Amidah in written form. A sage named Rabban Gamliel II³ (or Gamliel of Yavneh) commissioned to have the prayers written down and finalized for the Amidah, the very same one we still have today, including the additional 12th blessing. Gamliel II commissioned it, but not because it is a new thing. Instead, he intended to preserve the tradition before it would be lost. In fact, according to Jewish tradition, it was composed sometime around 515-332 BCE.⁴ Before the second temple was destroyed, the threat of losing traditions was unheard of. Now in a post-temple world, these things needed to be written in order to be preserved, since a focal gathering point no longer exists for Judaism, and Judaism would be stretched out, thinned, and scattered throughout the world.


Some Christians might be vaguely familiar with the name Gamliel II. In Acts, there is mention of a man named Gamliel, the president of the Sanhedrin and leader of the Pharisee party. Although Gamliel II was also the president of the Sanhedrin and leader of the Pharisee party, this is not the same Gamliel. The Gamliel in the book of Acts is none other than the famous Rabban Gamliel, the grandfather of Gamliel II. R’ Gamliel is also Paul’s Rabbi, according to the book of Acts by Paul's own admission:

“I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia but brought up in this city, educated at the feet of Gamaliel according to the law of our ancestors. Being zealous for G-d, just as all of you are today. Acts 22:3 NASB

R’ Gamliel being Paul’s rabbi makes a lot of sense, considering Paul’s teachings and actions. Paul turned out very much like his own rabbi.


R’ Gamliel is the grandson of the famous Hillel the Elder. The line of succession from Hillel, to R’ Gamliel, to Gamliel II is a prestigious one. All of whom on their own merit would become great and pious Jewish leaders. A study into the history of R’ Gamliel and his grandson Gamliel II of Yavneh is well worth the time. But all that to say, these men were no slouch, and ultimately through them, the Jewish traditions would be preserved even to this day!


I say these things only to emphasize that I do believe the tradition of the Amidah predates these men, and they merely preserved it in their day and these men were Pharisees, from the same line of training that Paul received. One last proof of this tradition can be found in Peter’s actions as described in Acts chapter 10. Peter and Cornelius were praying “at the hour of prayer” when they both received a vision.⁵ Of course this means in Jewish tradition that these men were praying the Amidah, at the particular hour of prayer for the “afternoon” prayer (in Hebrew called “Mincha”). So not only do we know this tradition exists during the second temple period, it even existed in the writings of the New Testament. We see the disciples and even Gentiles (who would become followers of Master Yeshua) praying in the traditional Jewish way.


I don’t think it’s a stretch to say, given the evidence, that Paul and the disciples were familiar with and also prayed the Amidah three times daily. And I also don’t think it's a stretch to say that the Amidah we have today is probably very similar to the one they had, if not identical. The time between R’ Gamliel to Gamliel II writing it down is about the same amount of time from when Yeshua said the Model Prayer to it being written down in Matthew 6. So we have reason to believe for both sets of prayers are probably pretty close to the original if not the original itself.

This brings me to a final verse:

Now I praise you because you remember me in everything and hold firmly to the traditions, just as I delivered them to you. -1 Corinthians 11:2 NASB (Emphasis mine)

What “traditions” are we talking about here? Well, if you start from this verse and continue to read on, you will find that the topic in the discussion here is “praying.” Specifically, praying with or without a head covering. He leads into this topic by talking about how the Corinthians are holding firmly to the “traditions” he passed down to them and then proceeds to make corrections about praying. It's reasonable to assume that the “traditions” Paul is referring to here, would be the prayers themselves. The entire section starting with this line (verse 2) and ending with verse 16 is about “customs” and “traditions” within the context of prayer.

If anyone wants to argue about this, we have no other custom, nor do the assemblies of G-d. 1 Corinthians 11:16

The early movement which would later be given the name “Christianity” still met in synagogues and learned and prayed alongside their Jewish brothers and sisters. In some cases, a community would be established that didn’t have a synagogue to meet in. Since Christianity would not be a materially different religion until about the end of the second century⁶, these new communities would be like “Gentile synagogues” in a way. And Paul would do his best to pass down the very traditions which the disciples and himself kept daily. Even within Jewish tradition, the apostle Peter is known to have been a very pious Jew, and he is even accredited with writing some of the prayers in today's prayer books⁷.


The prayer is beautiful with lots of value, in my opinion. Many in our post-modern world would disagree though due to the disdain for “ritualistic” concepts or “legalism” especially in American Christianity. But I would argue that this prayer is not meant to replace your regular prayer life, which many Christians prefer is in a sense spontaneous and “more genuine.” This position against the Amidah comes from not knowing how prayer in a Jewish context is meant to work. I would also strongly argue against the idea that a pre-prepared prayer done daily is in any way not “genuine” or even lacking in “spontaneity.” But on top of that, the Amidah and the Model Prayer ("Our Father who art in heaven...") prayed by Yeshua bear striking resemblances.


The following is taken from the “laws of prayer” section found in most prayer books today:

“Concentrate on the meaning of the words you are uttering. Remove all distracting thoughts and worries from your mind.”

The concept in Jewish prayer is called “kevanah” or “intent/sincerity.” The words in the prayer are more like a guide, meant to help you stay focused while in prayer. During the recitation of the prayer, you are meant to direct your intentions, thoughts, and emotions into that prayer. For example, when saying the blessing for healing the sick, one should concentrate on the names of the people who are sick. During the blessing of repentance, one should concentrate on his own sins for which they desperately need forgiveness.


This may seem “ritualistic” to some, but that’s coming from a post-modern western thought. Going to church weekly is also a ritual, yet we cannot imagine Christianity without such a ritual, and even those opposed to “ritualistic” practices would have to agree, that there are some things done ritually that are so fundamental to the faith, that if we were to leave them out, it would be borderline “un-Christian.” The Amidah is more than a ritual, it’s over 2000 years of rich devoted tradition meant to help set your focus on the things of G-d, and what really matters.


Sometimes as I go through the day, and witness something good or I just randomly think about something good, I will find myself silently muttering one of the blessings in prayer to G-d at that moment. Sometimes I will repeat one of the blessings over and over as a sort of mantra during an exercise. They are so well written that oftentimes, I find that they contain the words which I want to say but didn’t think of them myself.


And finally, I love knowing that I am participating in the same tradition as the apostles did. I feel like I am part of a larger history as I recite the very words Paul likely taught to the Corinthians. It was at the hours of prayer (which are meant to coincide with the daily offerings at the temple, representing the “offerings of the heart”) that many of the famous Biblical figures received a vision. It was at the hour of prayer that a Gentile in the New Testament was told “Your prayers and your acts of charity have come up as a memorial offering before G-d” (Acts 10:4). It is therefore my opinion, that it was the practice of the early sect of “The Way”⁸ to pray the Amidah three times daily. I think we should reincorporate this rich tradition back into the Christian life, and join our Jewish brothers and sisters in unified prayer, as it was in days of old, and in former years.

 

The Amidah

The Amidah text according to the Ashkenazi custom, in the summer months, without a minyan on days other than the Sabbath. The Amidah on the Sabbath and holidays is very different, as well as some slight changes for when praying with a minyan during the leader's repetition.

Translated by myself, the prayers are composed in Hebrew very poetically, so this is not a perfect translation, but no translation could be perfect. Instead, I tried my best to capture the meanings of the prayers rather than capture their poetic flow as most other translations do.


I have translated the Holy Name as "HaShem" below, but if one is using this for prayer, substitute "HaShem" for "Adonai" during prayer.


Rules to remember

1. Before beginning the prayer, take three steps backward, meditate for a moment to clear your mind, and then take three steps forward as though approaching a king.

2. Keep your feet together.

3. Concentrate on the meaning of the words you are uttering. Remove all distracting thoughts and worries from your mind. It is customary that if you lose concentration then you start over from the beginning. This prayer is meant to be taken very seriously.

4. You may not interrupt Shemoneh Esrei by talking, not even by answering Amein (upon hearing another prayer or blessing). If praying with at least ten men (minyan) and you should hear Kedushah, Kaddish, or Barechu while saying the Shemoneh Esrei, you should remain silent and listen to the Chazzan’s (leader’s) words.

5. Each individual recites Shemoneh Esrei in silence (speaking loud enough that you can hear yourself speaking, but not loud enough for somebody next to you to be able to hear you). Only the prayer leader, the Chazzan, ever recites it aloud, and then only after the entire congregation (himself included) has recited it silently.


The prayer:

When you see [+] in the text below, bend the knees at “blessed”, bow at “are you” and straighten up at “HaShem.”

My Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare Your praise. [+] Blessed are You, HaShem, our G-d, G-d of our fathers, G-d of Abraham, G-d of Isaac, and G-d of Jacob, the Great, the Powerful, the Awesome, most High Almighty, Who bestows beneficent kindness, Who possesses everything, Who remembers the piety of the Patriarchs, and Who brings a redeemer to their children’s children, for the sake of His Name, with love. King, Helper, and Savior and Shield. [+] Blessed are You, HaShem, Shield of Abraham. You are mighty forever, my Lord; You are the Resurrector of the dead, mighty to save. He causes the dew to descend. He sustains the living with lovingkindness, resurrects the dead with great mercy, supports the falling, heals the sick, frees the bound, and remains faithful to those asleep in the dust. Who is like You, mighty One, and who can be compared to you, King who brings death and restores life and makes salvation (Yeshua) sprout. You are faithful to resurrect the dead. Blessed are you HaShem, who resurrects the dead. You are Holy, Your name is Holy, and holy ones praise you every day, blessed are you HaShem, the Holy G-d. You gift knowledge graciously upon humanity and teach understanding to mankind. Graciously gift us wisdom, understanding, and knowledge that comes from you. Blessed are you HaShem, giver of knowledge. Our father, cause us to return to your Torah. Draw us near to your service, our King, and bring us back to You in perfect repentance. Blessed are you HaShem, who desires repentance.

With your right hand in a fist, strike your chest over your heart at the words "sinned" and "disobeyed".

Forgive us, our Father, for we have sinned. Pardon us, our King, for we have willfully disobeyed; for you pardon and forgive. Blessed are you, HaShem, the gracious one whose forgiveness abounds. See our affliction, wage our battle, and redeem us speedily for your name’s sake, for you are a mighty redeemer. Blessed are you, HaShem, redeemer of Israel. HaShem heal us, and we will be healed. Save us and we will be saved, for you are our praise. Grant a complete recovery for all our sicknesses,

If one wishes to, they may add the following prayer for a specific sick person.

May it be Your will, HaShem, our G-d, and the G-d of our fathers, that You send, quickly, a complete recovery from the heavens, healing for the soul, and healing for the body, for the sick (name) son/daughter of (mother’s name) among the afflicted of Israel. For you are G-d, King, faithful, and compassionate healer. Blessed are you, HaShem, healer of the sick of His people Israel. Bless for us, HaShem our G-d, this year and all the varieties of its produce for good; and grant a blessing, upon the face of the earth; satisfy us from Your bounty and bless our year, like the good years. Blessed are You, HaShem, who blesses the years. Sound the great Trumpet (shofar) for our freedom, and raise a banner to gather our exiles, and gather us together in unity from the four corners of the earth. Blessed are You, HaShem, who gathers the dispersed of His people Israel. Restore our judges as at first and our counselors as before. Remove sorrow and woe from us, and may You, HaShem alone, reign over us with kindness and compassion, and vindicate us in justice. Blessed are you, HaShem, King who loves righteousness and justice. Let there be no hope for slanderers and may all wickedness instantly perish. may all the enemies of Your people be swiftly cut off, and may You quickly uproot, crush, cast down and subdue the arrogant speedily in our days. Blessed are You, HaShem, destroyer of enemies and who humbles the arrogant. Upon the righteous, the pious, the elders of Your people Israel, upon the remnant of their scholars, the righteous strangers, and upon us, may Your mercy be aroused, HaShem our G-d. Grant bountiful blessing to all who trust in Your Name, and place our lot among them, and may we never be put to shame, for we have put our trust in You. Blessed are You, HaShem, who is the Support and Trust of the righteous. And to your city, Jerusalem, may you return in compassion, and may you dwell within it as you promised. And may you rebuild it speedily in our days as an eternal structure, and establish the throne of David within it soon. Blessed are you, HaShem, builder of Jerusalem. May the offshoot of David, your servant, soon sprout, and may his glory be raised by your salvation (Yeshua in Hebrew), for your salvation (Yeshua) we await all the day. Blessed are you, HaShem, who causes to sprout the glory of salvation (Yeshua). Hear our voice, HaShem, our G-d, be gracious and compassionate to us, and accept our prayers with compassion and mercy, for You are Almighty Who hears prayers and supplications. and do not turn us away empty-handed from Your Presence, our King,

At this point, the worshiper may add any private petition, and ask G-d’s help for himself, for his household, or for his community.

for You hear the prayers of Your people, Israel, with compassion. Blessed are You, HaShem, Who hears prayers. Find favor, HaShem our G-d, with your people Israel and their prayers, and restore the service to the Sanctuary of your House (the Holy of Holies in your Temple) and the fire offerings of Israel. And accept their prayers with love and favor, and may the service of your people Israel always be favorable with you. And may our eye witness your return to Zion in mercy! Blessed are you, HaShem, who restores His presence to Zion.

Bow at "We are thankful to you" and straighten up at "HaShem."

[+] We are thankful to You that You, HaShem, are our G-d and the G-d of our fathers forever. Rock of our lives, You are the Shield of our salvation in every generation. We will give thanks to You and declare Your praise for our lives which are committed into Your hand, and for our souls which are entrusted to You, and for Your miracles that are with us every day, and for Your wonders and favors at all times— evening, morning and afternoon. The Beneficent One, for Your compassion never runs out, And the Merciful One, for Your kindness never ends; forever have we placed our hope in You. For all these things may your name be blessed and exalted continually forever and ever. And all the living will thank you, selah. And praise your name in truth. You are The G-d of our salvation (Yeshua) and help, selah. [+] Blessed are you, HaShem, your name is "The Good One" and to you it is fitting to give thanks. Grant great peace to your people Israel forever, for you are King, Lord of all peace. May it be good in your eyes to bless Israel, your people, at every time and every hour with your peace. Blessed are you, HaShem, who blesses His people Israel with peace.

Some add the following:

May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be favorable to you, HaShem, my rock and my redeemer. My G-d, guard my tongue from evil and my lips from speaking deceitfully. May my soul be silent to those who curse me; and let my soul be like dust to all. Open my heart to Your Torah and let my soul pursue Your commandments. And for all who plan evil against me, quickly nullify their plans and frustrate their plot. Act for the sake of your Name. Act for the sake of Your right hand. Act for the sake of Your holiness. Act for the sake of Your Torah. In order that Your beloved ones be delivered, save with your right hand, and respond to me. May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be favorable to you, HaShem, my rock and my redeemer.

Bow, and take three steps back while bowing, before straightening up. As though one is leaving the presence of a king. Bow left at "He who makes peace..." Bow right at "may He make peace..." and bow center at "and upon all Israel..."


Bowing directions are indicated by < (left), > (right), and ^ (forward).

< He who makes peace in His heights, > may He make peace upon us ^ and upon all Israel, and we now say, Amen. May it be Your will, HaShem our G-d, and the G-d of our fathers, that the Holy Temple be rebuilt speedily in our days, and grant us our share in Your Torah. And there we will serve You with reverence as in the days of old, and in former years. And let the offerings of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasing to HaShem, as in the days of old and in former years.
 

Footnotes

¹ Around the year 80CE at the Council of Yavne. The story is recorded in b. Berakhot 28b-29a when they would finalize the formula for the entire Amidah, they decided to permanently include the 12th blessing.

² Which is the oral traditions in written form, which began its compilation in 10CE and was finished around 220CE

³ b. Berakhot 28b-29a

b. Megillah 17b-18a

Acts 10:2, & 9. The time for the midday prayer (Mincha) can be prayed at anytime within the window from the 6th hour to the 11th hour of the day. Which in western times is anytime between solar noon to an hour before sunset. Hours of the day were not exactly 60 minute intervals like we are familiar with. Cornelius was praying the Mincha at about 3 in the afternoon, while Peter prayed the Mincha at about noon.

Grayson Snyder, Ante Pacem: archeological Evidence of Church Life Before Constantine. (Macon, GA: Mercer Univ. Press, 1985). See also Pamela Eisenbaum Paul Was Not A Christian: The Original Message of a Misunderstood Apostle. Chapter 1. (New York, NY HarperCollins Pub. 2009).

The Tosaphist Rabbeinu Tam wrote that Peter was "a devout and learned Jew who dedicated his life to guiding gentiles along the proper path.” See: Bekkum, Wout (2005). The Poetical Qualities of The Apostle Peter in Jewish Folktale. Zutot: Perspectives on Jewish Culture. Ch 3: 16–25. doi:10.1007/1-4020-2628-5_3. ISBN 1-4020-2627-7.

Acts 24:14. The “Jesus movement” was known as a sect of Judaism, the sect of “The Way” before the pejorative term “Christian” became the identifier for the sect much later.



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