Rear view of young man stretching hands in bed

How to Say Modeh Ani

This prayer traditionally recited immediately upon awakening thanks God for the return of the soul.

Modeh Ani is the first prayer that one traditionally says when awakening in the morning. It thanks God for returning one’s soul after having entrusted the soul to God at night.

The full text reads as follows:

מוֹדֶה אֲנִי לְפָנֶיךָ מלך חַי וְקַיָּם שֶהֶחֱזַרְתָּ בִּי נִשְׁמָתִי בְחֶמְלָה, רַבָּה אֱמוּנָתֶךָ

Modeh ani l’fanecha, melech chai v’kayam, shehechezarta bi nishmati, b’chemla raba emunatecha

 

Rabbi Mikey Stein teaches Judaic studies at the Abraham Joshua Heschel High School in New York City.

Discover More

How to Say the Shema

This prayer is the quintessential Jewish declaration of faith.

How to Say Mi Kamocha

This prayer, recited immediately before the Amidah, declares that God is like no other.

How to Say Adon Olam

This poem about God's majesty is recited both before and after services.