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Sep 9, 2023

Three Selichot Prayers: Right Now, Forgive us, Hand on Heart

Three Selichot Prayers: Right Now, Forgive us, Hand on Heart

Rabbi Menachem Creditor


*Right Now*
(2023)

Dear God, here we are again.
We made it one more time around.
We've got a lot to talk about, Holy One.
So much to cry about, sing about,
to worry and hope and vent and pray...
It's been so much, this past year,
You know? Yes, You know.
We know You know.

But this moment,
we begin again.
We get to let go of last year.
Not just us, but You too, Boreinu, Our Creator.
You get to begin again too.
We both get another chance to get it right, Holy One.

We begin again, right now.
Let it begin, tonight. Now.
Let's get it right... now.
Amen.

*Forgive Us*
(2022)

God, forgive us, but please help us surpass the pre-written stuff. Remind us to believe in our own living hearts and mouths and souls.

Hear us when we speak.
Comfort us when we cry.
Guide us when we stray.

God, please forgive us for the things we did wrong and were brave enough to name, strong enough to own, and hopeful enough to see past.

May the coming year find us ready to be our full size, strong and brave and hopeful, alive and healthy and safe.

May the coming year be a good one.
For everyone, Dear God, for everyone.

Amen.

*Hand on Heart*
(2017)

I stand before You, open-hearted and open-souled. You've seen my year, held me every step of this path. I stand before You.

I weep before You, revealed and breathless. You've been watching me learn, one lesson at a time. I weep tears of gratitude before You.

I sing before You, chest pounding the rhythm of every prayer inside me. Your quiet intensity permeates my very being. I sing before You.

I ask. I thank. I admit. I feel. I hope. I wonder. I cry. I sing. I breathe.

You. You. You. You. You. You. You.

Amen

_______________________

#selichot #prayer