Psalm 118 is typically recited on joyful occasions, but its cry to God from “the depths” makes it also a prayer for moments of crisis. In Hebrew, the word for depths is meitzar, which is also the word for narrowness. The antidote to the pain of constriction, the prayer offers, is the expansive presence of God.
The Gate of Tears Hannah's Example Psalm as Praise Prayer has been the foundation of Jewish ritual and practice for thousands of years, but you may still wonder how and why to say the prayers in the canon. At My Jewish Learning, we invite you to explore the deeper side of prayer. Each week we'll share a unique exploration of a particular Jewish prayer, plus offer background materials and more to enhance your understanding. In the meantime, you can explore all of MJL's prayer resources here.
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