Chanukah-Modeh Ani: Introduction
The theme of the prayers said upon awakening and arising is, as with Chanukah, Hoda’ah, gratitude—gratitude for sheer existence. The Morning Blessings remind us about all that we have been given—from the power of sight and the ability to function physically, to freedom, consciousness, and understanding.
We begin our directed life the minute we wake up by reciting Modeh Ani, “I am a Thanker”.
Modeh Ani L’fanecha melech chai v’kayam Shechezarta bi nishmati b’chemlah Rabah emunatecha |
“I am a Thanker I gratefully thank You, O living and eternal King” “For You have returned my soul to me with compassion” “Great is Your faithfulness” |
We immediately acknowledge God the Giver of life. We open our eyes and are thankful for all the good things we have. We want to begin the day on a positive note. We are most grateful simply for being alive.
Our lives are filled with potential. We rejoice in the majesty of our souls before we can cloud our self-image with our frustrations and limitations. We celebrate that we have the opportunity to serve the Creator of the Universe. This prayer is a combination of Awe and joy; we stand in awe before the “Living and Eternal King,” and we rejoice in the opportunity to serve Him.