When you have eaten and are satisfied,
then you shall bless the Lord your God for the good land which He has given you.
Deuteronomy 8:10 Amplified Bible
Several hundred years before Jesus, a tradition arose of offering short, specific prayers all through the day. These prayers are called berakhah [bra-KHAH], meaning “blessing.” Directed toward God, they were prayers of thanksgiving. Jesus probably prayed these or similar prayers.
Each berakhah begins, “Blessed are You, O Lord our God, King of the Universe, … “ in Hebrew, “Barukh atah, Adonai Elohenu, Melek ha-olam …” The wording is designed to put God in the center of the prayer.
“There is a blessing for everything!”
the Rabbi in Fiddler on the Roof
The rabbis believed that everything is a gift from God and should be acknowledged. Here are some common ones:
“Blessed are You, O Lord our God, King of the Universe,
“… for You have returned within me my soul with compassion; abundant is Your faithfulness!” (upon waking)
“… Who brings forth bread from the earth.” (before eating)
“… Through Whose word everything comes into being.”
“… Who gives strength to the weary.”
The Shehechiyanu is a blessing thanking God for moments of joy. It’s a reminder that life is a gift from God and to appreciate it when something good happens.
“Blessed are You, O Lord our God, King of the Universe,
Who has granted us life, sustained us and enabled us to reach this occasion.”
(If a bad thing happens? Perhaps borrow Job’s words: “The Lord gave me everything I had, and they were his to take away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.” Job 1:21b Living Bible)
Some sources tie blessing with intercession:
“… Who give us clothes to wear; have mercy on those who go without adequate clothing.
“… Who gives us work for our hands; have mercy on the unemployed.
“… Who gives us health and medicine that helps us; have mercy on those who are sick or suffering.
“… Who gives us a home and all its comforts; have mercy on those without homes and those far from home.
“… Who gives us light and electricity; have mercy on those who live in darkness, figuratively or literally.
“… Who gives us running water and indoor plumbing; have mercy on those without such necessities.
This constant awareness and acknowledgement of God’s goodness is an excellent way to “pray without ceasing.”
