Practcing the Presence

PRACTICING THE PRESENCE

“I am ever mindful of the Lord’s Presence.”

Psalm 16: 8a

Many Chasidim have the custom of saying 100 brachot per day. The objective of this practice is not to impress others with their knowledge of Jewish prayers. It is to develop a sense of the constant presence of God in everyday life. Now 100 brachot a day is a worthy goal, but for most of us, it simply isn’t practical.

Below I have included some simple exercises to increase your awareness of the Divine Presence everywhere. These are just a few suggestions. There are many other activities that are equally helpful. When engaged in activities of everyday living (cooking, cleaning, walking, reading, etc.) take a moment to become aware of yourself, your surroundings and the presence of God with you where you are. Offer a brief prayer. You may use a written prayer, but I encourage you to use your own words to express yourself to Adonai.

Meditation and mindfulness exercises also offer wonderful opportunities to Practice the Presence. You may wish to consult your rabbi for further guidance.

1. Mindfulness. Choose a comfortable sitting position. As you take a slow deep breath in through your nose raise your shoulders up towards your ears. Breathe slowly out through your mouth, lowering your shoulders as you exhale. Repeat slowly four times, rolling your shoulders up and down in time with your breath. When finished, recite the following prayer:

My God, the soul you have given me is pure. You created it. You breathed it into me. You preserve it within me. As long as my soul is within me, I give you thanks.

2. Recitation of Shema Yisrael. Sit comfortably. Cover or close your eyes according to your custom. Breathe in deeply through your nose. Recite the word Shema slowly and singly. Exhale through your mouth. Repeat for the remaining five words of the first sentence. Sit silently for a moment, breathing normally, in through the nose and out through the mouth. Focus your attention on the reality of the Divine Presence. Continue with the recitation according to your custom.

3. Nigunim (Songs without words) Hum or sing the tune to a familiar Jewish hymn or song or listen to recorded nigunim. Try to block out distractions. Focus on the what God might be communicating to you through the music. See: My Jewish Learning, https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/the-nigun/

4. “Environmental” Praise. When your experience a natural phenomenon (e.g. thunder or lightning, seeing a rainbow) briefly say a blessing (brachah) praising God for demonstrating Divine power in your presence. You can find examples of this kind of prayer in any good siddur. Some examples (in English) are below. However, try to say the blessing in your own words in any language you choose.

On seeing an electrical storm: Blessed are you, Adonai our God, Ruler of the Universe, whose might and power fill the world.

On seeing a rainbow: Blessed are you, Adonai our God, Ruler of the Universe, who remembers the covenant and keeps you promise faithfully.

5. Tefillin. Laying tefillin grows an intimate sense of God’s “betrothal” to Israel. Follow the ritual in any good weekday siddur. If you need help learning how to lay tefillin, ask your rabbi.

6. “Everyday” Praise Pause during some normal, daily activity. Quietly take a slow, deep breath. Be aware of the Presence of Hashem. Thank God for enabling you to do whatever it is that you are doing. Use your own words.