Judaism : Introduction To The Region
Diaspora prayer was modeled on Temple worship but gradually evolved during the Middle Ages, incorporating new elements of praise and supplication. The liturgy reached its final form about a century ago but has had the same general outline for over a millennium. The main themes are thanks to God for His blessings; praise for God’s greatness, power, mercy, and forgiveness; supplication for peace, health, wisdom, etc.; and prayer for the coming of the Messiah (or the Messianic Age). The Sh’ma, recited daily, is Judaism’s ultimate proclamation of God’s unity and divinity: Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord is One (Deuteronomy 6:4)