Modeh Ani is a brief but profound Jewish prayer recited upon waking up in the morning. It is traditionally said while still in bed, before doing anything else. This prayer is an expression of gratitude to God for restoring one’s soul after sleep, symbolizing a fresh start and a new opportunity each day.
What Does Modeh Ani Mean?
The phrase “Modeh Ani” translates to “I give thanks” in English. However, the word “modeh” carries deeper connotations beyond simple gratitude. It can also mean “admit” or “surrender,” highlighting an acknowledgment of one’s dependence on God and a humble recognition of the divine gift of life.
The full text of the prayer in Hebrew and its transliteration is as follows:
Modeh AnI in Hebrew:
מוֹדֶה אֲנִי לְפָנֶיךָ מֶלֶךְ חַי וְקַיָּם, שֶׁהֶחֱזַרְתָּ בִּי נִשְׁמָתִי בְּחֶמְלָה. רַבָּה אֱמוּנָתֶךָ.
Transliteration:
Modeh ani lefanekha melekh chai vekayam, shehechezarta bi nishmati b’chemla, rabah emunatekha.
Modeh ani prayer English Translation:
I give thanks before You, living and eternal King, for You have returned my soul within me with compassion; abundant is Your faithfulness.
Click Here For a Print Copy of Mode Ani
Significance and Meaning
- Gratitude: The primary purpose of Modeh Ani is to express gratitude to God for the gift of life. The prayer acknowledges that waking up each morning is not guaranteed and is a blessing worthy of thanks.
- Renewal: In Jewish thought, sleep is considered a form of partial death, with the soul ascending to recharge. Waking up signifies the return of the soul, refreshed and renewed, ready to face a new day.
- Humility: The structure of the prayer, starting with “Modeh” (thank) before “Ani” (I), emphasizes that gratitude should come before self-focus. This sets a tone of humility and acknowledgment of one’s smallness in the grand scheme of life.
- Faithfulness: The phrase “raba emunatekha” (abundant is Your faithfulness) reflects the belief in God’s reliability and compassion. It underscores that each day is an opportunity given by a dependable and merciful Creator.
Historical Context
Modeh Ani is not mentioned in the Talmud or the Shulchan Aruch, the central code of Jewish law. It first appears in “Seder haYom,” a work by the 16th-century Rabbi Moshe ben Machir. Unlike many other prayers, Modeh Ani does not include any of the names of God, allowing it to be recited immediately upon waking, even before ritual hand washing.
Here is a nice video that turned modeh ani prayer into a song: