A Prayer for Health, By Rabbi Chaim Yosef David Azulai (1724–1806)

“Master of the Universe: With Your compassion, grant us the physical strength, health, and ability so that we may function effectively, and may we experience no illness or pain. Enable us to serve You in joy, contentment, and health. Save us from all evil and prolong our days in goodness and our years in sweetness. Enrich our years and add to our days and years of dedicated service to You. Shield us in the shadow of Your wings and spare us and all our family from all harsh or evil decrees. May we be at rest and calm, vigorous, and fresh to serve and revere You.”

 Part One

No Need to Fear: Psalm 91:1

 “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty” (v. 1).

Psalm 91 speaks of God’s protection from dangers and things like plagues. The Talmud refers to Psalm 91 as The Song of Plagues (Shev Shema’tata 15b). This psalm might have been sung by two people antiphonally — there is a profound paused ending where God speaks in verses 14–16. This psalm is read in the synagogue on Saturday mornings and at the close of the evening services on Saturday night and at funeral services. I personally end my official letters and notes with my signature and Psalm 91. Traditional Jewish thought is that Moses wrote Psalm 91 during the wilderness wanderings, and that David compiled the psalm and added it to his book of psalms. Whether the author is Moses or David, the psalm is profound.

The psalm is wonderful to meditate upon and to pray back to God.  “He who dwells in the shelter (Hebrew: sayther — cover) of the Most High (Elyon) will abide in the shadow (Hebrew: tsale — shade) of the Almighty (Shaddai)” (v. 1).

Shelter…shade literally means “secret hiding place.” Believers feel protected from pursuing enemies (Ps. 31:20–21). This protectiveness comes from the reality found in Genesis 19:8 where the “men” found “shelter or shade” in Lot’s home from the pursuing enemies. Even today, with Bedouins, and generally throughout the Middle East, those who enter their homes come under their “shade” or protection. The idea of great hospitality, protection, and provision comes from the Hebrew word Hesed often translated “mercy.”

 Shaddai and Elyon are ancient names of God. God revealed the name Shaddai (Almighty) to Abraham (Exod. 6:3) before He revealed His unspeakable name of YHVH (Exod. 3:14; 15:3). Rather than attempting to pronounce YHVH, as many Christians do, Jews will say, Adonai or HaShem.

Points to Ponder

1. Believers are in the “shade” of the Almighty.
2. We are protected from harm and from anything or anyone pursuing us.
3. God will never abandon His children.
4. There is no need to fear; He will help us (Heb. 13:5–6; Isa. 41:13).

Read and meditate upon the verses mentioned in this brief devotional. When tempted to fear, remember what God said in verse one, and like a child, reach up and take hold of His hand and feel safe in His “shade” and protection.

“We beseech thee, Master, to be our helper and protector.
Save the afflicted among us; have mercy on the lowly;
Raise up the fallen; appear to the needy; heal the ungodly;
Restore the wanderers of thy people;
Feed the hungry; ransom our prisoners;
Raise up the sick; comfort the faint-hearted.” – Clement of Rome (1st Century)