Tefillah (Prayer) | 📖 Prayer Before Torah Study | Seeking Illumination

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Source of Awe and Wisdom

Almighty YAH, the Creator of the heavens, the earth, the seas, and all therein, I stand at the threshold of Your sacred Word, the Torah—the inheritance of the children of Israel.

Before I open the holy scriptures, I humbly ask that You purify my heart and sanctify my mind; remove all preconceived thoughts of stubbornness, pride, and haughtiness. 

Cast out all arrogance and distraction, that I may receive Your truth with sincere humility. As the Psalmist wrote, I pray:

"Make me to know your ways, O YAH; teach me your paths.” Psalm 25:4

Guide my heart to the fear of You, for I know:

"The fear of YAH is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.” Proverbs 9:10

I confess that my heart is often hurried, and my mind is clouded by the cares of the week. Therefore, I pray for the spirit of stillness, that I may 'Be still, and know that You are GOD' (Psalm 46:10). 

Grant me the focus to grasp the depth of Your Law and the insight to apply it to my life.

May Your light shine into the depths of my understanding. Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things from Your law (Psalm 119:18). Unstop my ears so I can hear your words, which are Your laws, that if a man walks therein he should live. Grant me the wisdom of the righteous, that I may hear and understand Your commands, so that I may not only know Your truth, but live in it.

May Your Spirit of Wisdom rest upon me, as described in the prophecy concerning the righteous ruler:

"And the Spirit of YAH shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of YAH.” Isaiah 11:2

May my study be pleasing to You, a true sanctuary in the world, and may the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O YAH, my strength, and my redeemer (Psalm 19:14) in whom I do trust. Guide my feet, direct my path, while causing me to eschew evil, thus constantly keeping a wall of protection around me and my household. Prepare my soul now to receive the Sabbath rest and the nourishment of Your eternal counsel. Selah



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