The Amidah, often called HaTefillah (“The Prayer”), is the heart of Jewish worship — the quiet, personal moment of standing directly before G-d. The word Amidah literally means “standing,” because this prayer is said while standing still, feet together, as though standing before a king.
It’s recited three times a day — in the morning (Shacharit), afternoon (Mincha), and evening (Ma’ariv). Each time, we pause everything else and step into a sacred conversation with the Divine.
The Amidah is divided into three parts:
- Praise – The first three blessings open our hearts with gratitude, awe, and recognition of G-d’s holiness.
- Petition – The middle blessings allow space to pour out our hearts — asking for wisdom, forgiveness, healing, and peace.
- Thanksgiving – The final three blessings return us to gratitude, acknowledging all that G-d has given and praying for peace over Israel and the world.
How to Recite the Amidah
Stand with your feet together, facing toward Jerusalem. Begin by taking three small steps backward, then three steps forward — symbolizing the approach into G-d’s presence. The Amidah is said quietly, with lips moving but no audible sound, allowing the words to flow directly from the heart.
Before starting, many whisper:
“O L-rd, open my lips, and my mouth will declare Your praise.” (Psalms 51:17)
אֲדֹנָי שְׂפָתַי תִּפְתָּח וּפִי יַגִּיד תְּהִלָּתֶךָ
The Weekday Amidah
I. Praise
Avot – Ancestors
Acknowledging the G-d of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob — our source of faith and promise.
- Hebrew:
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ אֱלֹהֵינוּ וֵאלֹהֵי אֲבוֹתֵינוּ אֱלֹהֵי אַבְרָהָם, אֱלֹהֵי יִצְחָק וֵאלֹהֵי יַעֲקֹב…
Transliteration:
Baruch Atah Adonai, Eloheinu v’Elohei avoteinu, Elohei Avraham, Elohei Yitzchak, v’Elohei Ya’akov…
English:
Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d and G-d of our fathers, G-d of Abraham, G-d of Isaac, and G-d of Jacob… Blessed are You, L-rd, Shield of Abraham.
2. Gevurot – G-d’s Might
A blessing that praises G-d’s power to give and sustain life.
Hebrew:
אַתָּה גִּבּוֹר לְעוֹלָם אֲדֹנָי…
Transliteration:
Atah gibor l’olam Adonai…
English:
You are mighty forever, O L-rd. You revive the dead, You are great in saving.
3. Kedushat Hashem – Holiness of G-d’s Name
Declaring the sanctity of G-d’s name, echoed by angels and humankind alike.
Hebrew:
אַתָּה קָדוֹשׁ וְשִׁמְךָ קָדוֹשׁ, וּקְדוֹשִׁים בְּכָל־יוֹם יְהַלְלוּךָ סֶּלָה.
Transliteration:
Atah kadosh v’shimcha kadosh, u’kedoshim b’chol yom yehalelucha selah.
English:
You are holy, and Your name is holy, and holy beings praise You every day. Blessed are You, L-rd, the Holy G-d.
II. Petitions
Here the Amidah opens into personal connection — requests for understanding, forgiveness, health, prosperity, and peace.
There are 13 blessings in this section, including:
- Wisdom (Binah) – Grant us understanding.
- Repentance (Teshuvah) – Help us return to You.
- Forgiveness (Selichah) – Pardon our sins.
- Redemption (Geulah) – Deliver us from sorrow.
- Healing (Refuah) – Bring complete healing to all who suffer.
- Prosperity (Parnasah) – Bless the work of our hands.
- Gathering of Exiles – Bring our people together in peace.
- Justice – Restore righteousness among us.
- Against Enemies – Guard Israel from harm.
- For the Righteous – Bless the faithful and humble.
- Rebuilding Jerusalem – Restore Your holy city.
- Davidic Reign – Renew the light of salvation.
- Acceptance of Prayer – Hear our hearts and petitions.
Each ends with Baruch Atah Adonai, followed by a blessing specific to that request.
III. Thanksgiving and Peace
Avodah – Service and Gratitude
We thank G-d for the gift of worship and for hearing our prayers.
Hebrew:
רְצֵה יְיָ אֱלֹהֵינוּ בְּעַמְּךָ יִשְׂרָאֵל…
English:
Be favorable, L-rd our G-d, toward Your people Israel and their prayer. Restore the service to Your holy sanctuary.
Hoda’ah – Thanksgiving
Acknowledging the miracles of each day.
Hebrew:
מוֹדִים אֲנַחְנוּ לָךְ שָׁאַתָּה הוּא יְיָ אֱלֹהֵינוּ…
English:
We thank You, for You are our G-d and the G-d of our fathers forever and ever. You are the Rock of our lives, the Shield of our salvation.
Shalom – Peace
Concluding the Amidah with a blessing for peace.
Hebrew:
שִׂים שָׁלוֹם טוֹבָה וּבְרָכָה…
Transliteration:
Sim shalom, tovah u’vracha…
English:
Grant peace, goodness, and blessing — grace, kindness, and mercy — upon us and all Your people Israel. Blessed are You, L-rd, who blesses His people Israel with peace.
Why It Matters
The Amidah isn’t just a prayer — it’s an encounter. Each word draws us closer to G-d, reminding us that we can bring every joy, every need, every struggle into His presence. In this stillness, we are both small and infinite, heard and held.
When you finish, take three steps back, bow gently, and whisper,
“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable before You, O L-rd, my Rock and my Redeemer.”
📖 Sources and Further Reading:
The Chai Life 
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