Rosh Hashanah Morning Prayer “From the depths I have called to You.” Rosh Hashanah Morning Prayer (from Psalms 130:1)
An elementary question about prayer was first asked long ago: The events of our lives are not random but the direct outcome of G-d’s desire. If G-d determined that we should undergo certain experiences, it would seem that nothing could alter that. What, then, is the purpose of prayer? However, once we recognize that G-d is limitless, we can easily observe the frailties of this question. For the infinite G-d could surely choose to create the world in such a way that prayer can effect change and alter one’s destiny. Nevertheless, one answer provided by Jewish thinkers resonates profoundly on Rosh Hashanah, when we seek inner renewal. According to this answer, when we pray in a mindful way—“From the depths I have called to you”—we experience a fundamental shift. Praying reduces our spiritual sloth and intensifies our consciousness of and connection to G-d, so much so that, in a sense, we become
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a new person. G-d’s original plan never pertained to the new person we became through prayer. Accordingly, prayer is an inner journey that never fails to leave its mark on our identities. In the traditional machzor, there are many Rosh Hashanah prayers that provide us with multiple entry points to experience this voyage of renewal. Here are a few pointers regarding the Morning Prayer:
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The Morning Prayer service (shacharit) begins on page 60.
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The Shema is on page 105.
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The shacharit Amidah (which is where prayers unique to Rosh Hashanah begin) is on pages 109–114.
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The Amidah for the musaf prayer service is on pages 180–192.
