The prayer that is said in the Jewish tradition on waking up is modah ani (men say modeh). It is personal. “I give thanks before You, G*d, ever sustaining in life, for breathing into me my soul in your boundless compassion and faith.”   This prayer is said every morning, regardless of what the day will bring.  Shabbat or weekday, days of challenge or joy, this prayer is said. Today, I am thankful that this prayer is the ultimate “I” statement, a declaration that speaks only to my own gratitude.  There is irony......

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