The Koren Childrens Siddur by Koren Publishers Jerusalem l Tefilla Education l Children's Siddur l Teaching Judaism to children l Children and Faith

Avinu Malkenu

Our Father, our King, be gracious to us and answer us, though we have no worthy deeds; act with us in charity and loving-kindness and save us.

Rabbi Eliezer once stepped before the Ark [to lead the congregation in prayer] and recited 24 benedictions [of the Amida for fast days declared on account of drought], and his prayer was not answered. Rabbi Akiva stepped before the Ark after him and exclaimed: “Our Father, our King! We have no king but You! Our Father, our King! For Your sake , have compassion for us!” And rain fell.

When we remind Hashem (or remind ourselves) that we have an intimate relationship of love with Hashem as well as a respectful reverence towards Him as King, then He is ready to take His responsibility as our Protector and Sustainer to the next level.