A PRAYER AFTER MEAL

In the spirit of religious naturalism

Oh God, the Holy One of Being,

As we conclude this meal, we are grateful for the many gifts with which we have been blessed: for life itself and the love which enriches it, for the fellowship of friends and family who respect one another and learn from one another, for this good earth that has been entrusted into our hands and for the delicious food that sustains us day by day.

Our praises to God who is the source of food for all who live.

A PRAYER OF HEALING, In the Spirit of Religious Naturalism

 Rabbi Rifat Sonsino, Ph.D.

We invoke God, the energy of the universe, and express our gratitude for every moment we experience good health and wellbeing, and our hope for a speedy recovery. We also think of our friends and relatives who are in pain. In particular, we think of…..(names here). We hope that they will be restored to good health, both physical and spiritual, in due time. We want them to know that we are thinking of them and will keep them in our mind continually. May we continue to enjoy their company in better times. And for those with a terminal illness, we hope they will have the strength to leave life without much suffering and with a gentle sense of peace.

Amen.

DOES GOD HEAR OUR PRAYERS?

Rabbi Rifat Sonsino, Ph.D

 In the Hebrew Bible, the basic assumption is that God hears our prayers and responds. For example, the Psalmist declares, “Blessed is God who has not turned away my prayer” (Ps.66:20; see also 34:18; 116:1-2; 145:18). The prophet states, “Call and I will answer you” (Jer. 33:3). In the wisdom literature, God is viewed as one “who hears the prayer of the righteous (Prov. 15:29). And in the daily liturgy, we find that God “hearkens to prayer” (16^th benediction).

Yet, many prayers seem to be left unanswered in spite of our need, sincerity and fervor. Even the Psalmist at times complains, “How long, O Lord will you ignore me forever” (Ps. 13:1), and the prophet exclaims, “How long, O Lord, shall I cry out and you do not listen” (Hab.1:2). Some people justify God’s silence by the fact that we lack faith, or because we treated others wrongly or even because we are prideful.

In reality, the answer may be found elsewhere. Instead of worrying about whether God listens to our prayers or not, I suggest, we concentrate on the formulation of our prayers, which are nothing but an expression of our hopes and expectations of ourselves! It does not make a difference if someone is listening. The prayer exercise itself must help us formulate our prayers in a realistic and constructive manner—don’t ask for miracles or for the impossible-, giving us options for possible future behavior.

 What do you think?

GOOD DEEDS AND THEIR REWARD

 

Rabbi Rifat Sonsino, Ph.D

 Recently, our online rabbinic study group in Boston got stuck on a statement in Midrash Rabba (c. 5^th cent. CE) that reads:

שומר מצוה לא ידע דבר רע (“whoever observes the commandments will not suffer anything bad”). (Mishpatim, 32:8)

 This is factually not correct. Many people observe the commandments and still do not get their deserved reward.

 Maybe, good deeds ought to be carried out for their own sake without concern for any reward. The satisfaction of having done something right, should be enough!

Do you agree?