Jesus prayed the Shema, which is the most important declaration in all of Judaism. You may be wondering, What is the Shema, and why is it so important? Recited daily, in the morning and evening, it was a foundation part of a Jews time of prayer. Here it is in the Deuteronomy, chapter 6:
Years ago, Pastor Larry asked a rabbi, “Why is it so important to say the Shema Prayer?” And he replied,
“It’s because when you say this, your soul is making a declaration to God. It’s a connection and it’s a new covenant every time you say it with God.”
This prayer is vital for you and your family. It is your declaration, your connection, and a constant reminder of your covenant with God. We have included a FREE download of the Shema Prayer Card for you here. Join Pastors Larry and Tiz in declaring this prayer every morning and night. As you do remember, it’s not just a prayer, it a declaration from your soul to God. From your family to God. From your home to God. When you pray the Shema you are saying, “I want all of Israel, and the world to know, the Lord God is our God, and He is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”
Mark, chapter 12 describes a conversation between Jesus and the Scribes and Pharisees. They asked Him what the greatest commandment was. The first part of His response was about the Shema. He said, “The]first of all the commandments is: ‘Hear, O Israel, the LORD our God, the LORD is one.” It beings with “hear” or “listen” and that involves an action. His answer implied much more, because He didn’t stop there. He added, “And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength. This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'” Loving God and your neighbor go together. Without a doubt, we love our neighbors in Israel!
As Christians, when we understand our Jewish roots, and prayers like this one, the Shema, it brings us closer to the Jewish people and unity between our two faiths. It also continues the fulfillment of a prophetic, end-time restoration that someday will usher in the return of the Messiah.
