How to Say Modeh Ani

This prayer traditionally recited immediately upon awakening thanks God for the return of the soul.

Rear view of young man stretching hands in bed
Advertisement

Modeh Ani is the first prayer that one traditionally says when awakening in the morning. It thanks God for returning one’s soul after having entrusted the soul to God at night.

The full text reads as follows:

מוֹדֶה אֲנִי לְפָנֶיךָ מלך חַי וְקַיָּם שֶהֶחֱזַרְתָּ בִּי נִשְׁמָתִי בְחֶמְלָה, רַבָּה אֱמוּנָתֶךָ

Modeh ani l’fanecha, melech chai v’kayam, shehechezarta bi nishmati, b’chemla raba emunatecha

Support My Jewish Learning

Help us keep Jewish knowledge accessible to millions of people around the world.

Your donation to My Jewish Learning fuels endless journeys of Jewish discovery. With your help, My Jewish Learning can continue to provide nonstop opportunities for learning, connection and growth.

 

Rabbi Mikey Stein teaches Judaic studies at the Abraham Joshua Heschel High School in New York City.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Discover More

When Prayer Fails Us

Tisha B'Av, the saddest day on the Jewish calendar, is testament to the failure of prayer to avert national catastrophe.

How to Acquire the Right Mental State for Prayer

The pursuit of proper kavanah, the Hebrew term for directed attention, has long concerned Jewish thinkers.

Kol Nidrei: The Power of Words

Why does the holiest day of the Jewish year begin with a dry legal formula renouncing vows?

Advertisement