We have a mid-week study by which we are going through Torah Club Volume 4 (available through FFOZ – it is a year-long study through the Gospels, plus Acts). This week’s study was on Acts 10-12. In it Peter has his encounter with Cornelius and his household. When Peter recounts his experience with Cornelius to the elders at Jerusalem, their response is recorded as follows:
“When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, “So then, God has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life.”
– Acts 11:18 –
Daniel Lancaster, in his commentary, makes note that this sounds as if it could be formulated into a beracha (blessing):
Blessed are You, Oh L-rd, our G-d, King of the Universe Who has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life.
I propose that for non-Jewish, Messianic believers, we substitute this blessing in place of the second blessing of the 15 Blessings recited during Shacharit (based on Berachot 60b). We definitely cannot say the standard blessing, “Blessed are You, Adonai, our G-d, King of the universe, for not having made me a gentile.” We can, however, thank Hashem for who He has made us: Gentiles who have repented unto life. I propose our blessing be as follows:
Blessed are You, Adonai, our G-d, King of the Universe Who has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life.
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Wonderful insight! You better hurry and pass this along to Aaron so he can include it in the upcoming siddur!
Oooooh! I like that!
FYI – the last time I checked, this bracha was slated to be included in the FFOZ siddur.