Meaningful Purpose

Meaningful Purpose

Nobody thinks about breathing unless they are doing a breathing exercise. 

When we pray we must do it with intent or kavanah (כוונה). There has to be meaningful purpose when we follow God's commandments. 

"Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest." (Ecc.9:10)

As a matter of fact it is customary for the tzit tzit (fringes) to be cut off a Jewish person's tallit (prayer shawl) that has passed away because he can no longer keep the commandments. 

When Abraham had three visitors he served them with haste. He intended to bring his best service to his guests. 

According to rabbinic literature, when the priests sang the Hallel (Ps.113-119), they did it with kavanah. They started on the steps leading up to the Temple and if they felt that they were just going through the motions they would go back down the steps and start over with more meaningful purpose. 

We live in a mundane world where the cares of life keep us distracted from our service (avodah) to God. We have to push ourselves to see the one who is in need, and see that person as the image of God and do whatever we can with kavanah. 

I the LORD search the heart, I test the mind, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings. (Jer.17:10). God is always looking, always testing. 

Psalm 51:6 tells us this... "Thou desires truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom." 

We find meaningful purpose when we adhere to truth with intent.

(Photo by Art Hodges)

Have you ever noticed a Jewish man rocking back and forth in prayer? This is known as "davening". It is done this way to block out this mundane world so the prayer can be achieved with intent. 

Questions to ask...

What method do you use to block out the world when praying to God?

What would happen if we really did stop and think, "What would Jesus do?"

What are your thoughts? I would love for you to share. 

Shalom aleicha