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The moment our eyes open in the morning is a sacred opportunity to acknowledge the faithfulness of God. Before the demands of the day press in, the Modeh Ani, a traditional Jewish prayer of gratitude, provides a beautiful way to orient our hearts toward Him. This prayer is a declaration that even the act of waking is a gift—a reminder that our breath, our soul, and our very existence are sustained by the God of life.
The Modeh Ani is simple, yet profound, focusing on gratitude for the return of our soul each morning. In Jewish tradition, it is recited immediately upon waking, even before getting out of bed. Its words offer a posture of humility and reverence that sets the tone for the day.
Hebrew (Traditional Text):
מֹודֶה אֲנִי לְפָנֶיךָ, מֶלֶךְ חַי וְקַיָּם, שֶׁהֶחֱזַרְתָּ בִּי נִשְׁמָתִי בְּחֶמְלָה; רַבָּה אֱמוּנָתֶךָ
Transliteration:
Modeh ani lefanekha, melekh chai v’kayam, shehechezarta bi nishmati b’chemlah; rabba emunatekha.
English Translation:
"I thank You, living and eternal King, for You have graciously returned my soul within me; great is Your faithfulness."
This prayer echoes the timeless truth of Lamentations 3:22-23 (KJV):
"It is of the LORD’s mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is Thy faithfulness."
By reciting the Modeh Ani, we begin the day with an intentional act of worship, recognizing that life itself is a gift. It shifts our perspective from entitlement to gratitude, from the chaos of our schedules to the steadfastness of God’s presence.
The phrase "great is Your faithfulness" reminds us that God’s mercy is both abundant and undeserved. The returning of our soul each morning is a reflection of His ongoing care for us, both physically and spiritually.
Jesus’ teaching on prayer in Matthew 6:9-13 provides us with a framework for approaching God with reverence, dependence, and trust:
The Lord’s Prayer:
"Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen."
The Lord’s Prayer helps us to align our hearts with God’s purposes. It begins with worship (Hallowed be Thy name), acknowledges our dependence on Him (Give us this day our daily bread), and calls us to live in a posture of forgiveness and humility.
Picture this: It is the day of the crucifixion, and Jerusalem is trembling. The sky turns black, and the earth begins to shake beneath the feet of those who gather near the temple. Inside the holy sanctuary, a thick, ornate curtain, 60 feet tall and as heavy as generations of tradition, tears from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51).
For centuries, this curtain had stood as a reminder: humanity was separated from God. Only the high priest, once a year on the Day of Atonement, could pass through this veil and step into the presence of God on behalf of the people. But now, in a moment of unimaginable grace, that barrier is ripped apart—not by human hands, but by the power of God Himself.
The tearing of the veil was more than an event; it was an eternal declaration. Through the death of Jesus, the way into the presence of God was forever opened. The Holy of Holies is no longer a place guarded by fear but an invitation extended by love. The presence of God is no longer contained behind a curtain but poured out upon His people.
This devotional will guide us through scripture, prayer, and reflection, helping us embrace this profound truth: the God of the universe invites us to enter His throne room.
"And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place. And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God’s house, let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water."
In the ancient world, the temple was the centerpiece of Jewish worship. It was not just a building; it was the meeting place between heaven and earth, the dwelling place of God’s presence. However, this presence was veiled, both literally and spiritually. The thick curtain was a constant reminder of humanity’s sinfulness and inability to approach God.
The writer of Hebrews, steeped in the traditions of the temple, points to Jesus as the ultimate High Priest, whose sacrifice tears the veil and provides a “new and life-giving way.” The Greek word for “new” (prosphatos) means “freshly slain,” a vivid reference to the sacrificial death of Jesus. The word for “way” (hodos) emphasizes access—Jesus has become the open road to God.
Through His blood, Jesus cleanses not just the external rituals of worship but the very consciences of His people. We are no longer bound by guilt or shame; we are invited to draw near to God with hearts fully trusting in His love and grace.
Are there areas of guilt or shame that keep you from approaching God with confidence?
"Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory."
The imagery in Psalm 24 transports us to the gates of an ancient city. Picture a royal procession: the gates are flung wide, trumpets blare, and the King of Glory strides in triumph. The psalmist calls for the gates to "lift up their heads," as if even the inanimate structures must rise higher to make room for the splendor of the Lord.
This psalm speaks to the majesty of God, the One who reigns over creation with power and might. But it also points forward to the triumph of Jesus, the King of Glory who enters the heavenly throne room after His victory over sin and death. Revelation 5 echoes this scene, as the Lamb who was slain is declared worthy to receive glory, honor, and power.
As we read these words, we are reminded that worship is not merely a quiet moment of reflection; it is a declaration of God’s majesty. He is strong and mighty, victorious in battle, and reigning forever.
Father, You are the King of Glory, strong and mighty, the God who tears the veil and welcomes us into Your presence. Thank You for making a way for us through Jesus Christ. Teach us to approach You with boldness, gratitude, and reverence. Let our lives be filled with the knowledge of Your majesty and the joy of Your faithfulness. May every breath we take declare Your greatness. In Jesus’ name, amen.
