When we pray, we often use someone else’s words either because the prayer was taught to us or because we are reading it from the Siddur. But if the concept of G-d described by these words conflicts with our personal notions, it can interfere with our practice of prayer. Instead of communing with G-d we may find ourselves engaging in literary criticism. Instead of being in the moment, we are detached and analytic. This session will address these issues by reflecting on some of the prayers of the Amidah. With what aspects of these prayers do we resonate? What parts of these prayers contain language that causes us problems? We will try two prayer meditation techniques that can mitigate these difficulties: Hitbodedut, the practice of praying by talking informally to G-d, and a whispered mantra meditation.

Tefilah Lab is an experimental, experiential worship group help at Monmouth Reform Temple. This session, like all Tefilah Labs, is opened to the public and is free. For more information, contact Elliott Familant at efamilant@gmail.com.