| An Ancient Tradition That Can Augment Your | | | | fascinating. |
| Prayer Life | | | | Francis discusses the tallit as symbolic of the |
| In the book "Talit ha Cumi" Bishop John Francis | | | | mantle, a little tent, and with wings. These insights |
| explains how the secrets of the prayer shawl can | | | | gave me a deeper understanding and a new |
| enhance your prayer life. He begins with the story | | | | appreciation for many passages from both the |
| of one man's disobedience to introduce the | | | | Old and New Testament.. Detailed instructions for |
| historical and scriptural origins of the Jewish prayer | | | | the proper use of the tallit include suggested |
| shawl, the tallit. It is not the garment itself that | | | | scriptures for meditation. |
| makes the tallit special. The real significance of the | | | | Francis emphasizes how wearing the tallit today |
| shawl is found in the tzitzit, the fringes on the | | | | can be relevant. If our heart motives are pure we |
| four corners which are to remind us of God's | | | | can achieve the full spiritual advantage of this |
| commandments. | | | | ancient tradition. The shawl provides a private |
| The tallit is a religious symbol, a garment, a | | | | space to separate you from the distractions of |
| shroud, a canopy, a cloak. In Jewish tradition it | | | | the external environment allowing you to focus |
| becomes a cloak which enfolds the celebrant both | | | | inwardly. Symbolically the tallit fortifies your |
| physically and spiritually. In prayer the shawl | | | | commitment to prayer. We can use the tallit to |
| signifies being wrapped in the Word of God. The | | | | reflect on God's commandments, His constant |
| talit is used throughout Jewish life events from | | | | love, His promises, His protection, and His healing |
| circumcision to burial. The traditional use of the | | | | power. |
| tallit in Middle Eastern wedding ceremonies is | | | | |