Shema

Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. (Deuteronomy 6:4, 5 NIV)

I loved last night's Lenten service. The best part was learning something new. And that new thing was "Shema." Shema is a Hebrew word loosely translated as "hear." but as with so many other Hebrew words that have inadequate English translations, "Shema" means so much more. Hebrew seems to be better at capturing a sense of feeling and emotion behind words and we lose so much through translation.

A better way to explain "Shema" is, "Listen! You are about to hear something impotant! Pay attention with your whole heart and mind!"

Shema or "The Shema" is also a beautiful sung or chanted Hebrew prayer. Pastor Chad suggested that we look it up on YouTube when we got home and I am so glad I did. The prayer is simply the words of Deuteronomy 6:4-5 sung in Hebrew or English or often a verse of each. I even found a couple that had a more "Christian" spin to them, but I prefer the original. This is my favorite among the ones I watched. I hope you enjoy it... It makes me want to learn it in Hebrew... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hdG1aXlExI

Notice that in this version they say, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your RESOURCES." It gives it a deeper perspective and a lot to think about...

Father,
Help us to love us as completely as you command. We do love you, but we let so much get in the way. Have mercy on us O God. Amen.

Joys: the Shema; a perfect day for a hike; birdsong