Pray in a Fixed Place at a Fixed Time
For October 31, 2022
Genesis 13:4
אֶל־מְקוֹם֙ הַמִּזְבֵּ֔חַ אֲשֶׁר־עָ֥שָׂה שָׁ֖ם בָּרִאשֹׁנָ֑ה וַיִּקְרָ֥א שָׁ֛ם אַבְרָ֖ם בְּשֵׁ֥ם יְהֹוָֽה׃
"the site of the altar that he had built there at first; and there Abram invoked G-d by name."
Radak points out that we can learn from the verse how important it is for a person to appoint himself a definite place from where he regularly offers his prayers. It is easier to concentrate when one is in familiar surroundings.
A private space or a private corner in a room, a fixed spot in nature are suitable for this. The place should be somewhere private, quiet, and respectful and alway be appropriate. That is, it should not have a foul smell or be a place where unclothed (poorly dressed) people can be seen.
One's own clothing should also be decent during prayer, and one's hands should be clean. Although it is not obligatory for Noahides to pray with their heads covered, it is a good custom.
If one has a fixed spot in nature, one should be careful not to give a sense of "sanctity" to a tree or a stone, lest one accidentally commit idolatry.
It is not obligatory for Noahides to pray towards Jerusalem, but since we know and recognise that from Jerusalem the Torah emanates, it is a good custom.
Fixed times for prayer are not mandatory for Noahides. But establishing regular times at set times for yourself helps lead to personal growth and the relation with G-d. This could be several times a day, or once a week or once a month. This personal time should be fixed, regular and holy.
Brought By Angelique Sijbolts
Angelique Sijbolts is one of the main writers for the Noahide Academy. She has been an observant Noahide for many years. She studies Torah with Rabbi Perets every week. Angelique invests much of her time in editing video-lectures for the Rabbis of the Academy and contributes in administrating the Academy's website in English and Dutch. She lives in the north of the Netherlands. Married and mother of two sons. She works as a teacher in a school with students with special needs. And is a Hebrew Teacher for the levels beginners and intermediate. She likes to walk, to read and play the piano.
Sources
Chabadapp: chumash with Rashi
The Divine Code by Rabbi Moshe Weiner
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