PRAYING WITH THE PRAYER SHAWL

"See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ." (Colossians 2:8 NIV)

I have personally come across Christians who have interest in praying with the prayer shawl, but I have always wondered whether or not they truly understand the purpose and the rules regarding the use of the prayer shawl by the Jews. Praying with the prayer shawl is a Jewish tradition. Christians who visit the "holy land" for various reasons usually come back with Jewish regalia and display them in their homes and church auditoriums. Perhaps, they think that such regalia add some value to their spirituality, but unfortunately, it does not. Not having them or not using them does not suck any virtue from your spirituality. 

Why people pray with the prayer shawl

It is believed that the prayer shawl...

1. Connects you to God faster and more intimately (wrapped in the arms of God).

2. Is a symbol of power, authority and nobility.

3. Is a sign of obedience to God's commandments.

One thing you should understand is that in all the practices of the Jews, God has been telling a story through what is termed as typologies. Looking at the purpose of the prayer shawl, you see one thing - The Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit has become the active presence of God with you and in you. Therefore, it is not necessary to carry materials that are believed to invoke the presence and mighty power of God during worship. At best, such materials are for public showmanship of spirituality. They do not have any inherent power within them. We respond to God and communicate with him by faith not by sight (2Cor 5:7); through faith, not according to the senses (1Joh 4:14; Eph 3:17).

Also, the Holy Spirit comes to regenerate you, making you a new being with nobility and royalty. Train your faith to accept this truth rather than needing a prayer shawl to remind you that you have a noble birth. As the Holy Spirit comes into you, he empowers you and gives you authority (2Cor 5:17; 1Pet 2:9; Acts 1:8)

Finally, we see that the new creation of God has the laws written in his heart, and so he can walk in them. Again, it is the Holy Spirit who prompts you to walk in righteousness (Joh 16:10; Heb 10:16-18).

It is not necessary for a Christian to pray with the prayer shawl. It is fine for Jews, but for Christians, it becomes a religious showmanship. We are told not to go back to Judaism as Christ has set us free from slavery under the bondage of the Mosaic laws and Jewish traditions. Do not be misguided to believe or think that the prayer shawl releases a supernatural efficacy into your prayers. It does not, rather, it shrinks your confidence in and dependence on the Holy Spirit. 

"I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." (Ephesians 3:16‭-‬19 NIV)


#Verity Haven

Comments

  1. Sage WordJuly 10, 2023 at 12:37 AM

    Changing lives and society through publishing!

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  2. Leticia Fuah OkotahJuly 10, 2023 at 4:02 AM

    Insightful

    ReplyDelete
  3. Ebenezer TettehJuly 11, 2023 at 12:58 AM

    Wisdom! Thank you sir

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnonymousJuly 11, 2023 at 1:20 AM

      It's an honour to receive this comment from you, Sir. Thanks a million times.

      Delete

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