As we begin our journey into the body of the Verses of Praise and Pruning. One or all of these passages can be recited to help aid you in approaching the Creator with the rest of your heart felt prayers.

The first set of verses are found in the book of 1 Chronicles. In the Jewish Prayer book there is a section of these verses that speaks to Israel. I have edited that section out of the standard Jewish recitation of this set of verses and only included the verses of praise that would apply for the non-Jewish nations.

Below is a quote from The Schottenstein Edition of the Weekday Siddur. Even though it is speaking to the Jew we can glean from what it is says to all of us. The opening verse is telling us to not only give thanks to God but to declare His name by making known to everyone the acts of God that are everywhere and at every moment.

“Declare His Name. Whatever you accomplish, ascribe it to God’s help and let even the gentile nations know that God’s guiding hand is everywhere (Vilna Gaon).”

A special note before you recite the Verses of Praise.

In these blogs, I am quoting the verses from the Jewish prayer book. You will find the term ‘Hashem’ which is Hebrew for ‘The Name’ this term is used in accordance of observing the commandment not to use the Name of the Creator in a vain way. In this way it is not written to where it can be erased or discarded.

So, when you pray these verses do not pray the word ‘Hashem’ – you are directly conversing with the Creator and thus it is appropriate to use the Name “Adon-ai” where the term ‘Hashem’ is.

In my blogs, I try my best to follow Jewish law in regards of the use and protection of the sacred Names of the Creator.

At the top of my Blog site you will find a ‘Glossary’ page. On it I have a detailed explanation of the term ‘Hashem’.

1 Chronicles 16: 8-12, 23-36

“Give thanks to Hashem, declare His Name, make His acts known among the peoples. Sing to Him, make Music to Him, speak of all His wonders. Glory in His holy Name, be glad of heart, you who seek Hashem. Search out Hashem and His might, seek His Presence always. Remember His wonders that He wrought, His marvels and the judgements of His mouth.

Sing to Hashem, Everyone on earth, announce His salvation daily. Relate His glory among the nations, among all the peoples His wonders. That Hashem is great and exceedingly lauded, and awesome is He above all heavenly powers.

Glory and majesty are before Him, might and delight are in His place. Render to Hashem, O families of the peoples, render to Hashem honor and might. Render to Hashem honor worthy of His Name, take an offering and come before Him, prostrate yourselves before Hashem in His intensely holy place. Tremble before Him, everyone on earth, indeed, the world is fixed so that it cannot falter. The heavens will be glad and the earth will rejoice and say among the nations, “Hashem has reigned!” The sea and its fullness will roar, the field and everything in it will exult. Then the trees of the forest will sing with joy before Hashem, for He will have arrived to judge the earth. Give thanks to Hashem, for He is good, for His kindness endures forever.

Blessed is Hashem, the God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting!”

Terry W. Hayes
1/2020

Photo Credit: Hanny Naibaho on Unsplash