The Shema is a prayer the people of Israel were commanded to keep in their hearts. It’s considered the most important prayer and is the Jewish people’s statement of faith. It’s a Jewish custom to cover the eyes with the right hand while repeating the first line of the Shema to help avoid distractions. It’s one of the first things taught to children.
Shema Means to Hear and Obey
In Hebrew, Shema, means not only to hear but obey. This gives you a different perspective of it’s true meaning. We are to hear (listen to) God and obey God (obedience plus action). The Shema is found in Deuteronomy 6:4-5. “Hear, O Israel: The LORD is our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength.” (NIV) When saying the Shema you are stating there is only ONE God and He alone created the universe and everything in it. Deuteronomy 6:7 informs the nation of Israel they’re to recite the Shema “when you lie down and when you rise” and still to this day the Shema is an essential part of the Jewish morning and evening prayers.
The Shema in Hebrew and English
The Hebrew words of the Shema are: Sh’ma Yisrael Adonai Eloheinu Adonai Eḥad
The English words are “Hear, O Israel: the LORD our God, the LORD is One.”
Can Christians Recite the Shema?
The Shema isn’t just for the Jewish people. It can also by recited by Christians and can deepen and enhance your relationship with God. The Shema is quoted twice in the New Testament by Jesus. “One of the scribes came, and heard them questioning together, and knowing that he had answered them well, asked him, “Which commandment is the greatest of all?” Jesus answered, “The greatest is, ‘Hear, Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one: 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.’ Deuteronomy 6:4-5 This is the first commandment. The second is like this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself. ’Leviticus 19:18 There is no other commandment greater than these.”
How Important is the Shema?
The Bible repeats passages or words to emphasis their importance so lets repeat the last line in Mark 12:31. “There is no other commandment greater than these.” If that is how Jesus feels about the Shema then we need to make it a priority in our lives. The Shema gives us the opportunity to properly acknowledge God and give Him the respect and honor He deserves. Praying the Shema is an awesome way to start and end your day.