as a Jew, how do you pray?

Question

I am a poor mother of three children. Thankfully, I am not yet in danger of being on the street. I also have severe depression. I am in college , but I have a long way to go. I was a christian, but I am in the process of converting to Judaism. It makes more sense to me on every level of being except how to pray. How do you ask G-d to help you through difficult times? How do you get comfort as a Jew in hard times? Christians, please leave me alone. I didn't ask you.

there you christians go again, with your distorted versions of the talmud.

Jewsay, I have to go for reform because there are no orthodox synagogues in south Georgia. I would much, much, rather do orthodox had I the choice.

Answer 1

As a Jew, we are taught a lot about what to pray, when and where, but unfortunately, not much is said about how or why. What little advice I can offer, I learned the hard way. Here are a just few humble suggestions.
You have asked two different questions.
How to ask G-d to help you?
1. Read Proverbs. Skim till you find one which "speaks" to you at any given time, or just begin with the first, and take them in turn.
2. Pick a single paragraph, sentence, or even one word from the Amidah, and use your silent prayer-time to put all your yearning, agony, questions, into that little piece of text.
3. Talk to G-d! I mean, out loud, somewhere private. Argue, even! Our relationship with G-d goes 'way back, and it hasn't always been an easy one. Abraham, Moses, Jonah... it is very Jewish to argue with G-d. HaShem can handle your feelings, whatever they are.

Finding comfort as a Jew in hard times? I think that's another question:
1. Read Job. I found this really puts my troubles in perspective. (He lost all his children in one catastrophe.)
2. Study Jewish history. To contemplate what the Jewish people have endured and survived, even flourished under, can be a source of strength. If you can remember that we are G-d's Chosen People, it may help you when you feel alone and abandoned. Because you're not.
3. Seek community. Find a congregation where you feel welcome, and go as often as you can. (Does your college have a Hillel Foundation? Ask its Director for suggestions.)
4. This may sound corny, but do good-deeds. No matter how bleak your situation looks, you still have something to offer which can help somebody else. If nothing else, take your kids for a walk and pick up roadside trash. Your self esteem and sense of competence will rise as you realize what things the unique "you" can do. And you'll be acting as G-d's partner in perfecting the universe, how cool is that?
5. Have you a Rabbi who is your conversion mentor? I encourage you to discuss these questions with him/her. If you cannot, then perhaps you need a different mentor.

May HaShem bless you with peace.

Answer 2

I'm so glad for you! Are you converting Orthodox, Reform or what? Sometimes if I send a prayer request message to the Western Wall at Aish.com. I have also used www.westernwallprayers.com you have to donate money but they daven for you at the wall, while you're praying at home. I've grown a ton spiritually by doing this. I like having a prayer room or if your home is small maybe just a prayer area. I have pictures of the Western wall on the East wall of my home, I stand or sit in front of it and pray my daily prayers or when I just feel the need to talk to G-d. I like to have the room dark and candles lit sometimes too. Do you have a tallit? It helps me to concentrate better as silly as that may sound. I do things my own way a lot when it comes to prayer, but I try to do the daily prayers 3 times a day. I also like reading the Pslams, 20 is a favorite. Sometimes if I have a lot on my mind I write letters to G-d. Have you spoke to your Rabbi? Maybe he has some thoughts too. I agree you should study Torah that helps me a ton and sometimes I see answers while I'm reading. I don't pray the way a Jew should but it works for me.

Answer 3

Blue, I'm Jewish also.

Prayer for women is different than for men as women have a closer connection to G-d. "G-d, help me through these difficult times" is a good prayer. One I often use is "G-d, please give me whatever You know I need to bring me closer to You."

Take your conversion process slowly and enjoy it. Know that the proselyte is held in higher esteem than the born Jew.

The cure for depression is Torah study. Nothing fancy. Just read the Torah portion for the week and anything else that interests you.

Oh, and observe Shabbat. Ask your rabbi how you should do this.

Answer 4

Hello,
I would advice you to study in the daily amidah prayer and it's blessings. Within that prayer it is possible to add personal prayer requests. You can do so after the blessing 'av haRachaman...i know you're in the conversion process and please discuss with your rabbi what kind of prayers that are acceptable for you. There are many tehillims acceptable for non-jews to read from, if you're not allowed to pray the amidah yet. I wish you good luck on your conversion journey...may you have a shalom bayt, a house of Peace.

I hope things will solve itself for you.

Answer 5

i am a religious orthodx jew. im 18 yrs old. u can pray to g-d any way you like every one has their own way. but the correct way would br to "daven" with the prayer book. i am not a fan of chabad at all but i kno they have chabad pple all over the world to help pple. if u need help u can contact me and i can try and find a jewish place. i kno someone from savana whos orthodox...GOOD FOR YOU!!! ROCK ON. do u light candles eery sabbath...you can start by that at sundown for sabbath-fri night light a candle one for you and one for each of ur kids and if ur married or widowed then for the husband too

Answer 6

http://www.noahide.com/prayer.htm

http://www.askmoses.com/article.html?h=577&o=1992225

Answer 7

do you need money?

(i'm jewish too, I sent you an e mail)

Answer 8

Dont convert to Judisiam!!! Christin's have etrnal life and will always! God only gives us what we ask sometimes. try giong to church but for the love of god i pray you do not to jewish

-i am just trying ti help

Answer 9

You are losing your fatih to God. He may not listen to your prayers.