Midreshet Amit

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Since each of us were little kids the first words to roll off our mouths when we wake up are "Modeh Ani." While getting up this has become a rushed routine. We want to break it down so we all can say it more meticulously and slowly.

The first word "Modeh" means thank you. Modeh also means being indebted to Hashem. We as Jews keep all of Hashem's commandments because we are so indebted to Hashem for everything he does for us. This is a good jump start to our morning to remind us throughout the day the purpose of fulfilling the mitzvot is that we truly owe God everything. The second word is "ani." This is different because most tefillot are written in plural form. Why is this written in singular form? When thanking anyone it should be personal, not through a messenger or a collective. We see this during the chazan repitition of shmoneh esrei, we answer amen to every bracha except modiim. During modiim we each say our own personal prayer. By thanking Hashem personally we are recognizing Hashem does everything for us because he cares about us. The third word is "lefanecha." This means "to your face" which seems inappropriate to say to Hashem. However, when using this term we are looking Hashem in the eye and saying we really mean this. We are truly sincere while saying thank you. The next words are "melech chai vikayom," meaning the eternal king. What does this have to do with "modeh ani?" The Talmud says in Mesechet Brachot, that one time the Jews turned to King David and said to him they needed livelihood. King David questioned them asking if they had done everything in their power to support themselves. He was trying to teach them that God, who is the eternal king, provides us with all the opportunities, and its up to you to use them. Hashem does this for us. He provides us with tools daily guiding us through life. In "Modeh Ani" we are asking Hashem to help identify these opportunities so we can take advantage of them. Tomorrow when you wake up and say "Modeh Ani" really think about these words and say them with more kavanah. Tefillah has the power to open up your eyes and see the world more clearly.