Words are only vessels

September 3, 2010 | 24 Elul, 5770

A Meditation for Selichot: Words are only vessels

How can I crack open the secrets of prayer?
Perhaps the words are but a container,
Waiting to be filled with meaning
It is intention
That raises up the words,
Not the words themselves.
They are but vessels
What is the ram’s horn
Without the breath of the blast?

The soul carries our prayers
To the THE ONE WHO HEARS PRAYER
But what if THE ONE WHO HEARS is not listening?
Are my prayers worthy enough to be heard?
What if I am not sure where or to whom to direct my prayers?

When I feel cut off, abandoned by
THE ONE WHO BROUGHT US OUT OF BONDAGE
Closed in by troubles, distress,
Wondering where THE SOURCE OF HOPE is to be found
From this narrow place, from my aloneness, I plead to be heard.
And what of my prayers then?
Even if THE ONE WHO LISTENS seems inaccessible,
Pray anyway

My repentant heart fills with regret
I ask for forgiveness
When I cannot sense Your presence, I cry out.
When my words are blocked and my mouth will not open,
I prepare myself - just in case the words will come
Though I feel distant from You,
I continue to yearn for connection, forgiveness and acceptance.

When words of prayer still do not come
Connect to those around you,
Bind yourself with bonds of love
To the souls of the righteous.
Though we long to speak in the sacred language,
Our words may only flow in native tongue.
No matter, all prayers are heard.

Shuvu, Shuvu – Return, return
The shofar calls to us.
We assemble.
Looking to one another for understanding and hope,
Reaching out in forgiveness, if even with tentative hands,
We connect and exchange forgiveness,
A new year is upon us.

May we be blessed by all things:
Wings of breath,
Delight of eyes,
Wonder of whisper,
Intimacy of touch,
Eternity of soul,
Urgency of thought,
Miracle of health,
Embrace of God.(1)

May we live this day, this year:
Compassionate of heart,
Clear in word,
Gracious in awareness,
Courageous in thought,
Generous in love.(2)

(1)(2) O'Donohue, John, To Bless the Space Between Us: A Book of Blessings(Doubleday)

May we live in community.

Shabbat Shalom & L'shana tova tikateivu,

Rabbi Nina J. Mizrahi