בס”ד
Guidelines and Practices
Noahides do not have a fixed liturgy like Jews with their Siddur, but prayer, blessings, and praise to G-d stem from Noahide’s command to recognize the Eternal G-d, King of the Universe. This means that a Noahide directs his trust entirely to G-d and always prays to Him for help and gratitude. It is also advisable to thank and praise Him for everything He provides, such as by reciting blessings over food and drink.
A Noahide addresses his personal words to G-d, if possible spoken aloud, in his own language and at an appropriate place and time. If the place is not suitable for prayer, for example, due to idolatry, impurity, or danger, one may pray in thought.
It is recommended to have a fixed place and time for prayer to promote concentration. Although it is not an obligation for a Noahide to pray toward Jerusalem, one may experience this as a logical choice because the Temple is a House of Prayer for all nations (Isaiah 56:7), and Daniel, when in Babylon, directed his prayers towards Jerusalem, setting an example for us to follow. (Daniel 6:10). Daniel turned his face towards Jerusalem because it was the central place where G-d wanted the offerings to be brought. The Hebrew word for offering is “korban,” which means “to draw close.” The offerings and our prayers are meant to be brought to a place that brings us closer to G-d. The Temple is where the connection takes place between G-d and the world.
In addition to using one’s own words, one may use words from the Tenach, especially the Psalms of King David, which are prayers to G-d composed with holy inspiration.
It is important to use only words related to prayer, gratitude, or praise to G-d. Words or prayers from previous religious backgrounds, written with a different intention, may not be used.
Noahides may respectfully bow to G-d using only words of prayer, thanks, or praise, but wearing phylacteries or prayer shawls is prohibited because these are specific commandments for the Jewish people and do not confer a logical advantage to Noahides, falling under the prohibition of creating one’s own religion, known as Chiddushei Dat.
It is also recommended to meditate, called Hitbodedut, on G-d’s greatness, love, and presence in creation and daily life. This helps Noahides to serve Him with love and awe, leading to the correct emotional state of the heart, which in turn leads to the right actions in life.
Although there is no fixed liturgy, many people need structure and inspiration. Therefore, prayer books and even an app are available with prayers and blessings, developed to support Noahides in their spiritual journey.
Prayerbooks:
Prayers, Blessings, and Principles of Faith for Noahides
Prayers for Noahides: Community Services & Personal Worship
The Order: A Communal and Individual Noahide Siddur
Siddur Meditations of the Noahide: כוונות בני נח Afternoon and Evening Prayers
App
Learning Points
- Noahides put their trust in G-d and are encouraged to pray, express gratitude, and praise G-d for His blessings.
- Personal prayers should be offered in one’s own language at a suitable time and place, with a recommended fixed time and location for better focus.
- While there is no fixed liturgy, using words from the Bible, especially the Psalms, is common.
- Only words related to prayer, gratitude, or praise to G-d should be used, avoiding phrases from previous religious backgrounds.
- Noahides may bow respectfully to G-d but are prohibited from wearing Jewish prayer garments like phylacteries or prayer shawls.
- Meditation on G-d’s greatness, love, and presence in creation and daily life is recommended to foster love and reverence for G-d.
By Angelique Sijbolts
See also the Shiurim of Rabbi Tani Burton:
NOAHIDES AND PRAYER
THE INTELLECTUAL OBLIGATION TO PRAY
MODEH ANI: WAKING UP WITH FAITH
THE THREE COMPONENTS OF PRAYER
Sources:
The Divine Code by Rabbi Moshe Weiner
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