Kavvanah, Avodah and Devekut

[kimmiemae]

Hello,
I am still an old time newbie in the Messianic movement. I have Jewish ancestory on my Father's side so technically, I am not Jewish. Anyway, is anyone familiar with the terms in my subject line (Kavvana, Avodah and Devekut). I wanted to see if anyone could give me a personal story about any of the following which I am doing for research. You will be anonymous of course.

 

[yonah_mishael]

Kavanah (כוונה) means "intention" and has to do with how you put focus and intention into the words that you recite in prayer. For example, when you say Shema (שמע) you're supposed to think of the unity of God.

Avodah (עבודה) means "work" or "service" and has to do with the service that you do for God when you pray. In the Temple, it referred to the offering of sacrifices. It is the work that you owe God as your responsibility in religion.

Dvekut (דבקות) refers to possession of a spirit in a human body - demon possession.

 

[ContraMundum]

Kavanah (כוונה) means "intention" and has to do with how you put focus and intention into the words that you recite in prayer. For example, when you say Shema (שמע) you're supposed to think of the unity of God.

Avodah (עבודה) means "work" or "service" and has to do with the service that you do for God when you pray. In the Temple, it referred to the offering of sacrifices. It is the work that you owe God as your responsibility in religion.

Dvekut (דבקות) refers to possession of a spirit in a human body - demon possession.

I think he may be referring to Dvekut in the sense of one being "connected" to God during prayer- in the sense that the Hasids use it. Isn't the modern Israeli word for glue based on the same?

 

[Lulav]

And I think She was asking for a personal story involving the three, not a definition.

Not a personal story but perhaps something you could use since kavenah is mostly associated with prayer, and example from the Bible.


Luke 18

1And he spoke a parable to them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; 2Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: 3And there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, Avenge me of my adversary. 4And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; 5Yet because this widow troubles me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. 6And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge said. 7And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night to him, though he bear long with them? 8I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man comes, shall he find faith on the earth?


9And he spoke this parable to certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: 10Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. 11The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank you, that I am not as other men are, extortionists, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. 12I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. 13And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes to heaven, but smote on his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. 14I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalts himself shall be abased; and he that humbles himself shall be exalted.​

I'll let you guess which one was praying with kavanah.

 

[kimmiemae]

Hello, Yes I have the definitions and was looking for a story on a personal note of how your intention provoked devekut possibly...Thanks for your help.

 

[yonah_mishael]

 

[kimmiemae]

Yes, I need a personal story please in carrying out a mitzvot, prayer, or service.

 

[kimmiemae]

I think he may be referring to Dvekut in the sense of one being "connected" to God during prayer- in the sense that the Hasids use it. Isn't the modern Israeli word for glue based on the same?

Yes, Devekut is a clinging to God.