Prayers

GEORGE WASHINGTON’S PRAYER FOR THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Almighty GOD; we make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep the United States in Thy holy protection, that thou wilt incline the hearts of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to government; and entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another and for their fellow citizens of the United States of America at large. And finally that Thou wilt most graciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy and to demean ourselves with that charity, humility and pacific temper of mind which were the characteristics of The Divine Author of our blessed religion, and without whose example in these things we can never hope to be a happy nation. Grant our supplication, we beseech thee, through Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen

Make Me an Instrument of Your Peace
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love,
Where there is injury, pardon
Where there is doubt, faith,
Where there is despair, hope,
Where there is darkness, light,
Where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much
seek to be consoled as to console,
not so much to be understood as to understand,
not so much to be loved, as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
it is in dying that we awake to eternal life.

— St. Francis of Assisi

The Irish Blessing
May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields and,
Until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

— Anonymous

A Short Grace For Use Before Meals
O Lord, bless this food to our use,
and us to your service;
make us grateful for all your mercies,
and mindful of the needs of others. Amen.

— anonymous

Christ Be With Me
Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,
Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ where I lie, Christ where I sit, Christ where I arise,
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of every one who speaks to me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.
Salvation is of the Lord.
Salvation is of the Christ.
May your salvation, Lord, be ever with us.

— St. Patrick

Children’s Bedtime Prayer

Now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray the Lord my soul to keep:
May God guard me through the night
And wake me with the morning light.
Amen.

— Traditional

The Jesus Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.

There are many variants of the Jesus Prayer including, “Lord, have mercy,”
or just plain “Jesus, help!” Since variants of the Jesus prayer are included in the Roman Catholic Mass as well as many Protestant worship services, it has to be one of the top prayers in Christendom.

The Prayer of Jabez

Jabez called out to the God of Israel, “Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me and keep me from harm, so that it will not hurt me.” And God granted what he asked.
1Chronicles 4:10

Prayers for Help in Times of Trouble

A Prayer for Aid Against Perils
Be our light in the darkness, O Lord, and in your great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night; for the love of your only Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

— Book of Common Prayer 1979

An Evening Family Prayer
Lord, behold our family here assembled.
We thank you for this place in which we dwell,
for the love that unites us,
for the peace accorded to us this day,
for the hope with which we expect the morrow;
for the health, the work,
the food and the bright skies
that make our lives delightful;
for our friends in all parts of the earth. Amen.

— Robert Louis Stevenson

A Prayer for Comfort and Hope
Grant unto us, Almighty God, in all time of sore distress, the comfort of the forgiveness of our sins. In time of darkness give us blessed hope, in time of sickness of body give us quiet courage; and when the heart is bowed down, and the soul is very heavy, and life is a burden, and pleasure a weariness, and the sun is too bright, and life too mirthful, then may that Spirit, the Spirit the Comforter, come upon us, and after our darkness may there be the clear shining of the heavenly light; that so, being uplifted again by Thy mercy, we may pass on through this our mortal life with quiet courage, patient hope, and unshaken trust, hoping through Thy loving-kindness and tender mercy to be delivered from death into the large life of the eternal years. Hear us of Thy mercy, through Jesus Christ our Lord – Amen.

— George Dawson

Prayer for Trust in Jesus
O Christ Jesus,
when all is darkness
and we feel our weakness and helplessness,
give us the sense of Your presence,
Your love, and Your strength.
Help us to have perfect trust
in Your protecting love
and strengthening power,
so that nothing may frighten or worry us,
for, living close to You,
we shall see Your hand,
Your purpose, Your will through all things.

— St. Ignatius of Loyola

For Those Searching for God
O Lord my God,
Teach my heart this day where and how to see you,
Where and how to find you.
You have made me and remade me,
And you have bestowed on me
All the good things I possess,
And still I do not know you.
I have not yet done that
For which I was made.
Teach me to seek you,
For I cannot seek you
Unless you teach me,
Or find you
Unless you show yourself to me.
Let me seek you in my desire,
Let me desire you in my seeking.
Let me find you by loving you,
Let me love you when I find you.

— St. Anselm

For Times of Fear
Almighty God, the Refuge of all that are distressed, grant unto us that, in all trouble of this our mortal life, we may flee to the knowledge of Thy lovingkindness and tender mercy; that so, sheltering ourselves therein, the storms of life may pass over us, and not shake the peace of God that is within us. Whatsoever this life may bring us, grant that it may never take from us the full faith that Thou art our Father. Grant us Thy light, that we may have life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

— George Dawson

Also appreciated on a birthday or any day is the Irish Blessing:

May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

May God be with you and bless you;
May you see your children’s children.
May you be poor in misfortune,
Rich in blessings,
May you know nothing but happiness
From this day forward.

May the road rise to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the warm rays of sun fall upon your home
And may the hand of a friend always be near.

May green be the grass you walk on,
May blue be the skies above you,
May pure be the joys that surround you,
May true be the hearts that love you

St. Theresa’s Prayer

May today there be peace within. May you trust God
that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the
infinite possibilities that are born of faith. May you use those gifts
that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be content knowing you are a child of God. Let this presence
settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance,
praise and love. It is there for each and every one.

Prayer for my own Birthday:

Lord, let this feast of my birth be a reminder to me of all the gifts and blessings I have received from You this day and all the days of my life. On my day of celebration, I thank you for my life and all of my blessings and ask for another year filled with Your presence in my life that I may continue to grow in your love.

Gracious God, I thank You for enabling me to celebrate my birthday. Lord You have been good to me all these years and I thank You for all the blessings I have recieved but especially for life itself.

Creator God, I do not know what lies ahead for me this year. Yet I know that You are holding my future in Your hand. Let my ways be pleasing to you. As You have promised, be with me, Lord. Grid me with Your strength and grace so that I can live for Your light. Enable me to draw closer to You that I may walk in your peace and be the creative and loving person that you intend for me to be. I ask this and all things in the sure and certain knowledge of your love for me and for all your people. Amen.

Birthday prayers for a boy:

Watch over your child, O Lord, as his days increase; bless and guide him wherever he may be. Strengthen him when he stands; comfort him when discouraged or sorrowful; raise him up if he falls; and in his heart may your peace which passes understanding abide all the days of his life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

O God, our times are in your hand: Look with favor, we
pray, on your child, …, as he begins another year. Grant
that he may grow in wisdom and grace, and strengthen his
trust in your goodness all the days of his life; through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.

Watch over thy child, O Lord, as his days increase; bless and
guide him wherever he may be. Strengthen him when he
stands; comfort him when discouraged or sorrowful; raise
him up if he falls; and in his heart may thy peace which
passeth understanding abide all the days of his life;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

God our Creator, the birth of your child Jesus brought great joy to Mary and Joseph. We give thanks to you for the child whose birthday we celebrate today. May he ever grow in your faith, hope, and love. We ask this in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Birthday prayers for a girl:

Watch over your child, O Lord, as her days increase; bless and guide her wherever she may be. Strengthen her when she stands; comfort her when discouraged or sorrowful; raise her up if she falls; and in her heart may your peace which passes understanding abide all the days of her life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

O God, our times are in your hand: Look with favor, we
pray, on you child, … , as she begins another year. Grant
that she may grow in wisdom and grace, and strengthen her
trust in your goodness all the days of her life; through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.

Watch over thy child, O Lord, as her days increase; bless and
guide her wherever she may be. Strengthen her when she
stands; comfort her when discouraged or sorrowful; raise
her up if she falls; and in her heart may thy peace which
passeth understanding abide all the days of her life;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

God our Creator, the birth of your child Jesus brought great joy to Mary and Joseph. We give thanks to you for the child whose birthday we celebrate today. May she ever grow in your faith, hope, and love. We ask this in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The Serenity Prayer
God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time;
enjoying one moment at a time;
accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
that I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
forever in the next.
Amen.

— Reinhold Niebuhr (1892-1971)

Grant Us Your Salvation
Show us your mercy, O Lord;
And grant us your salvation.
Clothe your ministers with righteousness;
Let your people sing with joy.
Give peace, O Lord, in all the world;
For only in you can we live in safety.
Lord, keep this nation under your care;
And guide us in the way of justice and truth.
Let your way be known upon earth;
Your saving health among all nations.
Let not the needy, O Lord, be forgotten;
Nor the hope of the poor be taken away.
Create in us clean hearts, O God;
And sustain us by your Holy Spirit.

— Book of Common Prayer 1979

Grant Us Your Peace
O Lord, my God,
grant us your peace; already, indeed, you have made us rich in all things!
Give us that peace of being at rest,
that sabbath peace,
the peace which knows no end.

— St. Augustine

Prayer For Peace Among Nations
O Almighty God,
the Father of all humanity,
turn, we pray, the hearts of all peoples and their rulers,
that by the power of your Holy Spirit
peace may be established among the nations
on the foundation of justice, righteousness and truth;
through him who was lifted up on the cross
to draw all people to himself,
your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

— William Temple (1881-1944)

Billy Graham’s Prayer for the Nation
Our Father and Our God, we praise You for Your goodness to our nation, giving us blessings far beyond what we deserve. Yet we know all is not right with America. We deeply need a moral and spiritual renewal to help us meet the many problems we face. Convict us of sin. Help us to turn to You in repentance and faith. Set our feet on the path of Your righteousness and peace. We pray today for our nation’s leaders. Give them the wisdom to know what is right, and the courage to do it. You have said, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” May this be a new era for America, as we humble ourselves and acknowledge You alone as our Savior and Lord. This we pray in Your holy name, Amen.

— Billy Graham

On washing the hands before a meal:

Blessed are you O God, our Lord, King of the Universe, who has sanctified us with his commandments, and has commanded us about the washing of hands. 

Source: Traditional

The Shema

Hear, Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is One. 

Blessed be the Name of His glorious kingdom for ever and ever 

And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. 

And these words that I command you today shall be in your heart. 

And you shall teach them diligently to your children, and you shall speak of them when you sit at home, and when you walk along the way, and when you lie down and when you rise up. 

And you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be for frontlets between your eyes. 

And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

Shema Yisrael, Adonai Eloheinu, Adonai Echad.

Barukh Shem k’vod malkhuto l’olam va-ed

V-ahavta et Adonai Elohecha b-chol l’vavcha u-v-chol naf’sh’cha u-v-chol m’odecha.

V-hayu ha-d’varim ha-ayleh asher anochi m’tzav’cha ha-yom al l’vavecha.

V-shinantam l-vanecha, v-dibarta bam b-shivt’cha b-vaytecha, u-v-lecht’cha ba-derech, u-v-shachb’cha u-v-kumecha.

U-k’shartam l’ot al yadecha, v-hayu l-totafot bayn aynecha.

U-chtavtam al m’zuzot baytecha u-vi-sharecha. 

Deuteronomy 6: 4-9

Modeh Ani — A Morning Prayer

I am thankful before You,

Living and Sustaining Ruler,

Who returned my soul to me with mercy.

Your faithfulness is great.

Modeh ani l’fanecha melech chai v’kayam sh’hechezarta bi nishmati b’chemla rabah emunatecha. 

Source: Traditional

Prayer Before Drinking Wine

Blessed are you, O God, our Lord, King of the Universe, creator of the fruit of the vine. 

Source: Traditional

Blessing Over Fruit

Blessed art Thou, Lord our God, King of the universe who creates the fruit of the tree.

Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech ha-olam borei pri ha-etz. 

Source: Traditional

Prayer After Eating (Birkat Hamazon)

Blessed is The Lord our God, Sovereign of the universe, who sustains the entire world with goodness, kindness and mercy. God gives food to all creatures, for God’s mercy is everlasting. Through God’s abundant goodness we have not lacked sustenance, and may we not lack sustenance forever, for the sake of God’s great name. God sustains all, does good to all, and provides food for all the creatures whom God has created. Blessed is The Lord our God, who provides food for all.

Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha-olam, hazan et ha-olam kulo b’tuvo b’chein b’chesed uv-rachamim, hu notein lechem l’chol-basar, ki l’olam chasdo, uv-tuvo hagadol tamid lo chasar lanu v’al yechsar lanu mazon l’olam va-ed. Ba-avur sh’mo hagadol, ki hu Eil zan um-farneis lakol, u-meitiv lakol u-meichin mazon l’chol-b’riyotav asher bara. Baruch atah Adonai, hazan et hakol. 

Source: Traditional

Blessing Over Bread

Blessed art Thou, Lord our God, King of the universe who brings forth bread from the earth.

Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech ha-olam hamotzi lechem min ha-aretz. 

Source: Traditional

Prayer for Protection

O Lord, grant that this night we may sleep in peace. And that in the morning our awakening may also be in peace. May our daytime be cloaked in your peace.

Protect us and inspire us to think and act only out of love.

Keep far from us all evil; may our paths be free from all obstacles from when we go out until we return home. 

Source: The Babylonian Talmud

Bless Ye HaShem

Behold, bless ye HaShem, all ye servants of HaShem, that stand in the house of HaShem in the night seasons.

Lift up your hands to the sanctuary, and bless ye HaShem.

HaShem bless thee out of Zion; even He that made heaven and earth. 

Psalms 134: 1-3  |  Source: Tanakh (Jewish Publication Society, 1917)

On Lighting Shabbat Candles

Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe,

Who has sanctified us with His commandments,

and commanded us to kindle the light of the holy Shabbat.

Baruch atah adonai eloheinu melech haOlam asher kideshanu bemitzvotav vitzivanu l’hadlik ner shel Shabbat. 

Source: Traditional

Prayer For Those Who Have Died

El Maley Rachamim

God full of mercy who dwells on high

Grant perfect rest on the wings of Your Divine Presence

In the lofty heights of the holy and pure

who shine as the brightness of the heavens

to the soul of _______.

who has gone to his eternal rest

as all his family and friends

pray for the elevation of his soul.

His resting place shall be in the Garden of Eden.

Therefore, the Master of mercy will care for him

under the protection of His wings for all time

And bind his soul in the bond of everlasting life.

God is his inheritance and he will rest in peace

and let us say Amen.

El maley rachamim shochen bam’romim

hamtzey menuchah nechonah al kanfey haschechinah

bema’alot kedoshim ute’horim

kezohar harakia me’irim umazhirim

lenishmat

shehalach le’olamo

ba’avur shekol beney hamishpachah, yedidim umakirim

mitpalelim le’iluy nishmato

began eden tehey menuchato

lachen ba’al harachamim yastireyhu

beseter kenafav le’olamim

veyitzror bitzror hachayim et nismato

Adonai hu nachalato Veyanuach beshalom al mishkavo

Venomar amen. 

Source: From Jewish Funeral Care

Prayers for Help in Times of Trouble

Incline Thine Ear, O HaShem

A Prayer of David. Incline Thine ear, O HaShem, and answer me; for I am poor and needy. Keep my soul, for I am godly; O Thou my God, save Thy servant that trusteth in Thee. Be gracious unto me, O Lord; for unto Thee do I cry all the day. Rejoice the soul of Thy servant; for unto Thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. For Thou, L-rd, art good, and ready to pardon, and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon Thee. Give ear, O HaShem, unto my prayer; and attend unto the voice of my supplications. In the day of my trouble I call upon Thee; for Thou wilt answer me. 

Source: Tanakh (Jewish Publication Society, 1917)

Psalm of Comfort

As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after Thee, O God.

My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: ‘When shall I come and appear before God?’

My tears have been my food day and night, while they say unto me all the day: ‘Where is Thy God?’

These things I remember, and pour out my soul within me, how I passed on with the throng, and led them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, a multitude keeping holyday.

Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why moanest thou within me? Hope thou in God; for I shall yet praise Him for the salvation of His countenance. 

Psalms 42: 2-6  |  Source: Tanakh (Jewish Publication Society, 1917)

Prayer for Renewal

Hide Thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create me a clean heart, O God; and renew a stedfast spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence; and take not Thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation; and let a willing spirit uphold me. 

Psalms 51: 11-14  |  Source: Tanakh (Jewish Publication Society, 1917)

God Is Our Refuge

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 

Therefore will we not fear, though the earth do change, and though the mountains be moved into the heart of the seas; 

Though the waters thereof roar and foam, though the mountains shake at the swelling thereof. Selah

There is a river, the streams whereof make glad the city of God, the holiest dwelling-place of the Most High. 

God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God shall help her, at the approach of morning. 

Nations were in tumult, kingdoms were moved; He uttered His voice, the earth melted. 

HaShem of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our high tower. Selah

Come, behold the works of HaShem, who hath made desolations in the earth. 

He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; He breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; He burneth the chariots in the fire. 

‘Let be, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.’ 

Psalms 46: 2-11  |  Source: Tanakh (Jewish Publication Society, 1917)

Twenty-Third Psalm

HaShem is my shepherd; I shall not want. 

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside the still waters. 

He restoreth my soul; He guideth me in straight paths for His name’s sake. 

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me. 

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; Thou hast anointed my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I shall dwell in the house of HaShem for ever. 

Psalms 23: 1-6  |  Source: Tanakh (Jewish Publication Society, 1917)

Prayer for Those in Need

Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer.

From the end of the earth will I call unto Thee, when my heart fainteth; lead me to a rock that is too high for me.

For Thou hast been a refuge for me, a tower of strength in the face of the enemy.

I will dwell in Thy Tent for ever; I will take refuge in the covert of Thy wings. Selah 

Psalms 61: 2-5  |  Source: Source: Tanakh (Jewish Publication Society, 1917)

My Help Cometh From HaShem

I will lift up mine eyes unto the mountains: from whence shall my help come? 

My help cometh from HaShem, who made heaven and earth. 

He will not suffer thy foot to be moved; He that keepeth thee will not slumber. 

Behold, He that keepeth Israel doth neither slumber nor sleep.

HaShem is thy keeper; HaShem is thy shade upon thy right hand. 

The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. 

HaShem shall keep thee from all evil; He shall keep thy soul. 

HaShem shall guard thy going out and thy coming in, from this time forth and for ever. 

Psalms 121: 1-8  |  Source: Tanakh (Jewish Publication Society, 1917)

Psalm of Protection

HaShem is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? HaShem is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

When evil-doers came upon me to eat up my flesh, even mine adversaries and my foes, they stumbled and fell.

Though a host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war should rise up against me, even then will I be confident. 

Psalms 27: 1-3  |  Source: Tanakh (Jewish Publication Society, 1917)

91st Psalm

O thou that dwellest in the covert of the Most High, and abidest in the shadow of the Almighty; 

I will say of HaShem, who is my refuge and my fortress, my G-d, in whom I trust, 

That He will deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. 

He will cover thee with His pinions, and under His wings shalt thou take refuge; His truth is a shield and a buckler. 

Thou shalt not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flieth by day; 

Of the pestilence that walketh in darkness, nor of the destruction that wasteth at noonday. 

A thousand may fall at Thy side, and ten thousand at Thy right hand; it shall not come nigh thee. 

Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold, and see the recompense of the wicked. 

For thou hast made HaShem who is my refuge, even the Most High, thy habitation. 

There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy tent. 

For He will give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. 

They shall bear thee upon their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. 

Thou shalt tread upon the lion and asp; the young lion and the serpent shalt thou trample under feet. 

Because he hath set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him; I will set him on high, because he hath known My name. 

He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him, and bring him to honour. 

With long life will I satisfy him, and make Him to behold My salvation.’ 

Psalms 91: 1-16  |  Source: Tanakh (Jewish Publication Society, 1917)

Prayers for Holidays

Prayer for Tisha B’av

Thou, O HaShem, art enthroned for ever, Thy throne is from generation to generation.

Wherefore dost Thou forget us for ever, and forsake us so long time?

Turn Thou us unto Thee, O HaShem, and we shall be turned; renew our days as of old.

Thou canst not have utterly rejected us, and be exceeding wroth against us! 

Lamentations 5: 19-22  |  Source: Tanakh (Jewish Publication Society, 1917)

Blessing for Sukkot

Blessed are You, O Lord our God, King of the universe, Who has kept us in life, and has preserved us, and enabled us to reach this season. 

Source: Traditional

Hanukkah Candle-Lighting Prayers

Blessed are you, Lord our God, King of the Universe, Who sanctified us by his commandments, and has commanded us to kindle the lights of Hanukkah.

Baruch ata Adonai, Elohenu melech ha-olam asher kideshanu be-mitzvotav, ve-tzivanu le-hadlik ner shel Hanukah.

Blessed are you, Lord our God, King of the Universe, Who wrought miracles for our fathers in days of old, at this season.

Baruch ata Adonai, Elohenu melech ha-olam she-asa nisim la-avotenu ba-yamim ha-hem ba-zeman ha-zeh.

On the first night only:

Blessed are you, Lord our God, King of the Universe, Who has kept us alive, and has preserved us, and enabled us to reach this season.

Baruch ata Adonai, Elohenu melech ha-olam she-hecheyanu, ve-kiyemanu, ve-higiyanu la-zeman ha-zeh. 

Source: Traditional

Rosh Hashanah Prayer

God is the incomparable King of the Universe. The destiny of humanity is to come to this realization. Whereas human kings rule in accordance with the principle of: “might makes right,” God is the Holy King, Who is, at the same time, beyond comparison in His power, “Vas er vil, Tut er” – “Whatever He wills, He can do,” yet He is also the Father of the orphan and the Judge of the widow, Who is always on the side of the powerless.

He is the Incorruptible and Righteous Judge of the World, Who favors no one, and cannot be bribed.

He is the true God and His word, the Torah, is true and eternal. 

Source: From The Malchiyot (Kingliness) prayer in the High Holidays liturgy

The Al-Chet, Yom Kippur Confession

 For the mistakes we committed before You under duress and willingly.

For the mistakes we committed before You through having a hard heart.

For the mistakes we committed before you through things we blurted out with our lips.

For the mistake we committed before You through harsh speech.

For the mistakes we committed before You through wronging a friend.

For the mistakes we committed before You by degrading parents and teachers.

For the mistakes we committed before You by exercising power.

For the Mistakes we committed before You against those who know, and those who do not know.

For the mistakes we have committed before You through bribery.

For the mistake we have committed before You through denial and false promises.

For the mistake we have committed before You through negative speech.

For the mistakes we have committed before You with food and drink.

For the mistakes we committed before You by being arrogant.

For the mistakes we committed before You with a strong forehead (brazenness). 

For the mistakes we committed before You in throwing off the yoke (i.e. refusing to accept responsibility).

For the mistakes we committed before You through jealousy (lit: ‘a begrudging eye’).

For the mistakes we committed before You through baseless hatred.

For the mistakes we committed before You in extending the hand.

For the mistakes we committed before You through confusion of the heart. 

Source: Traditional

Prayer for Passover

This is the bread of affliction which our ancestors ate in the land of Egypt.

Let all who are hungry come and eat.

Let all who are in need come and celebrate Passover.

This year we are here: Next year, in the land of Israel.

This year we are slaves: Next year may we all be free. 

Children’s Blessings

Entering the Baby Into the Covenant

Blessed are you, Adonai our God, Sovereign of the Universe, who sanctified us with your commandments and commanded us to bring our daughter into the covenant of Israel. 

Source: RitualWell.org

A Prayer for Mikveh

Our mothers, Rebekka and Rachel, were betrothed and began new lives at the gently flowing waters of the well. 

Our mother Tzipporah gave life to her child Moses in the ever-flowing waters of the Nile. 

Our sister Miriam danced for the saving of lives beside the overflowing waters of the Sea of Reeds.

Water is God’s gift to living souls, to cleanse us, to purify us, to sustain us, and to renew us. 

Moses and Aaron and the priests of Israel washed with cleansing waters before attending to God’s service at the altar. 

As God separated the waters in the First Creation so do we ask that protecting waters surround this child. 

As it is written: ” I will sprinkle clean water upon you and you shall be clean. ” (Ezekiel 36) 

And it is written: ” I am a well of living waters, a garden spring, a stream flowing from the heights of Lebanon. ” (Song of Songs 4:15) 

You are Blessed, O God, Spirit (Sovereign) of the World, who has sanctified us with Your commandments, and commanded us concerning Immersion. 

Source: RitualWell.org

Blessings for Boys & Girls

For a girl:

May God make you like Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, and Leah.

For a boy:

May God make you like Ephraim and Menasheh.

(Both) May God bless you and keep you. May God make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. May God lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace. 

Source: Traditional

For a Baby-Naming

Our God and God of our ancestors, sustain this child for her father and mother. Let her be called in Israel __________ daughter of _____ and ______. May the father rejoice in his offspring and may her mother rejoice in the fruit of her womb. Let your parents be happy; let she who bore you rejoice. Give thanks to God; God’s mercy is constant. May this little one, _________, be big. As she has entered into the covenant, so may she enter into a life of Torah, loving relationships and good deeds. 

Source: RitualWell.org

Prayer for a Newborn Child

We are humbled by the awesome power of this moment.

From our lives we have brought forth life. 

Through our love we have fashioned a child of love. 

May our child be a blessing to all he meets. 

And may he count us among his blessings as well. 

Rabbi Rami M. Shapiro  

The Canticle of the Creatures

Most High, all-powerful, all-good Lord,

All praise is Yours, all glory, honor and blessings.

To you alone, Most High, do they belong;

no mortal lips are worthy to pronounce Your Name.

We praise You, Lord, for all Your creatures,

especially for Brother Sun,

who is the day through whom You give us light.

And he is beautiful and radiant with great splendor,

of You Most High, he bears your likeness. 

We praise You, Lord, for Sister Moon and the stars,

in the heavens you have made them bright, precious and fair. 

We praise You, Lord, for Brothers Wind and Air,

fair and stormy, all weather’s moods,

by which You cherish all that You have made. 

We praise You, Lord, for Sister Water,

so useful, humble, precious and pure. 

We praise You, Lord, for Brother Fire,

through whom You light the night.

He is beautiful, playful, robust, and strong. 

We praise You, Lord, for Sister Earth,

who sustains us

with her fruits, colored flowers, and herbs. 

We praise You, Lord, for those who pardon,

for love of You bear sickness and trial.

Blessed are those who endure in peace,

by You Most High, they will be crowned. 

We praise You, Lord, for Sister Death,

from whom no-one living can escape.

Woe to those who die in their sins!

Blessed are those that She finds doing Your Will.

No second death can do them harm.

We praise and bless You, Lord, and give You thanks,

and serve You in all humility. 

-St. Francis of Assisi

Moravian Blessing

Come, Lord Jesus, our guest to be

And bless these gifts

Bestowed by Thee.

And bless our loved ones everywhere,

And keep them in Your loving care.

Though our mouths were full of song as the sea, 

and our tongues of exultation as the multitude of its waves,

and our lips of praise as the wide-extended firmament;

though our eyes shone with light like the sun and the moon,

and our hands were spread forth like the eagles of heaven,

and our feet were swift as hinds,

we should still be unable to thank thee and bless thy name,

O Lord our God and God of our fathers,

for one thousandth or one ten thousandth part of the bounties which thou has bestowed upon our fathers and upon us.

– from the Hebrew Prayer Book

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