ANGEL
MEDITATION
Before
bedtime, it is traditional to say the "Bedtime Shema". This prayer
can be found in more traditional Siddurim. The recital of the Shema immediately
before retiring is perceived as a protection against the dangers of the night.
One section of this bedtime Shema invokes four angels, each of whom has a
specific purpose.
Michael,
whose name means "Who is like God," guards the children of Israel . Gabriel
("God is my strength”) lends us strength and courage. Uriel ("God is
my light") lights our way through the darkness. Raphael ("God heals”)
is responsible for our physical and emotional well being. The Shekhinah
is God's "female side," God's nurturing aspect, envisioned as a woman
with white wings, hovering over the bed like a canopy.
One
recites (or chants) the following:
בְּשֵׁם
יְיָ אֱלֹהֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, מִימִינִי מִיכָאֵל, וּמִשְּׂמֹאלִי גַּבְרִיאֵל,
וּמִלְּפָנַי אוּרִיאֵל, וּמֵאֲחוֹרַי רְפָאֵל, וְעַל רֹאשִׁי שְׁכִינַת אֵל.
B’'sheim
Adonai elohei yisra-eil, mimini mikha-eil, umis’moli gavri-eil, umil'fanai
uri-eil, umei-achorai r'fa-eil, v'al roshi sh'khinat eil.
In the
name of the Lord, the God of Israel, may Michael be at my right hand; Gabriel
at my left; before me, Uriel; behind me, Raphael; and above my head, the divine
presence of God.
Good night. Sleep
well.
angelmeditation.doc
© Richard Flom
