Summary
When Jesus was asked about the greatest commandment in all of the law, he first responded with words from Deuteronomy 6:4-5. Those words are part of a prayer called the Shema, and observant Jews pray them twice a day: “Hear, O Israel, the Lord is our God; the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all of your heart, with all of your soul, and with all of your strength.” This prayer is not a request to God for something we want to happen. No, it’s more a prayer of centering, to remember life rightly ordered; that is, life with God.
Bible References
- Deuteronomy 6:4 - 9
