Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Thanks to DAS

Who posted, in comments below, what I was hoping for: something from the Jewish tradition.

"These remind me of Hoshanos which specifically mention water.

"I can't find any Hoshanos online, but there is the prayer for rain (also responsive) ... note the ending, even as water saves us, it also can kill, so we need to be careful of what we ask for as we just might get it (c.f. the tale of Yoni the Circlemaker who asked for rain and got a flood):"

You are eternally mighty, my Lord, the Resuscitator of the dead are You; abundantly able to save.

With water You symbolized Your might in Scripture, to soothe with its drops those in whom was blown a soul, to keep alive the ones who recall the strengths of the rain.

Our God and the God of our forefathers:

Remember the Patriarch [Abraham], who was drawn behind You like water. You blessed him like a tree replanted alongside streams of water. You shielded him, You rescued him from fire and from water. You tested him when he sowed upon all waters.

FOR HIS SAKE, DO NOT HOLD WATER BACK

Remember the one [Isaac] born with the tidings of, 'Let some water be brought. ' You told his father to slaughter him - to spill his blood like, water. He too was scrupulous to pour his heart like water. He dug and discovered wells of water.

FOR THIS SAKE OF HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS, GRANT ABUNDANT WATER

Remember the one [Jacob] who carried his staff and crossed the Jordan's water. He dedicated his heart and rolled a stone off the mouth of a well of water, as when he was wrestled by an angel composed of fire and water. Therefore You pledged to remain with him through fire and water.

FOR HIS SAKE, DO NOT HOLD WATER BACK

Remember the one [Moses] drawn forth in a bulrush basket from the water. They said, 'He drew water and provided the sheep with water.' At the time Your treasured people thirsted for water, he struck the rock and out came water.

FOR THE SAKE OF HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS, GRANT ABUNDANT WATER

Remember the appointee [Aaron] over the Temple, who made five immersions in the water. He went to cleanse his hands through sanctification with water. He called out and sprinkled [blood bringing] purity as with water. He remained apart from a people of waterlike impetuosity.

FOR HIS SAKE, DO NOT HOLD WATER BACK

Remember the twelve tribes You caused
to cross through the split waters,
for whom You sweetened the water's bitter taste. Their offspring whose blood was spilt for You like water.
Turn to us - for woes engulf our souls like water.

FOR THE SAKE OF THEIR RIGHTEOUSNESS, GRANT ABUNDANT WATER

For you are the Lord, our God, who makes the wind blow and the rain fall.

FOR A BLESSING AND NOT FOR A CURSE

For a blessing and not for a curse

AMEN

FOR LIFE AND NOT FOR DEATH

For life and not for death

AMEN

FOR PLENTY AND NOT FOR SCARCITY

For plenty and not for scarcity

AMEN

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