The Ari's Prayer Before Zohar Study

Before we open the Zohar, we prepare ourselves to receive its extraordinary Light.

By reading or simply scanning the sacred Prayer of the Ari, Rav Isaac Luria, we begin to open our spiritual vessel, awakening within us a deeper sense of reverence, gratitude, and appreciation for the wisdom we are about to encounter.

This is more than a prayer. It is a moment of connection — a beautiful invitation to align ourselves with the great lineage of Kabbalists who have carried this wisdom through generations.

With humility, love, and an open heart, we ask for their spiritual support and guidance, allowing ourselves to become receptive to the infinite Light, hidden secrets, and transformative wisdom of the Zohar.

Because studying the Zohar is not simply about understanding its words. It is about opening ourselves to the Light they reveal.

Ruler of the universe, and Master of all masters, The Father of mercy and forgiveness, we thank You, our God and the God of our fathers, by bowing down and kneeling, that You brought us closer to Your Torah and Your holy work, and You enable us to take part in the secrets of Your holy Torah. How worthy are we that You grant us with such big favor, that is the reason we plead before You, that You will forgive and acquit all our sins, and that they should not bring separation between You and us.

And may it be your will before You, our God and the God of our fathers, that You will awaken and prepare our hearts to love and revere You, and may You listen to our utterances, and open our closed heart to the hidden studies of Your Torah, and may our study be pleasant before Your Place of Honor, as the aroma of sweet incense, and may You emanate to us Light from the source of our soul to all of our being. And, may the sparks of your holy servants, through which you revealed Your wisdom to the world, shine.

May their merit and the merit of their fathers, and the merit of their Torah, and holiness, support us so we shall not stumble through our study. And by their merit enlighten our eyes in our learning as it stated by King David, The Sweet Singer of Israel: “Open my eyes, so that I will see wonders from Your Torah” (Psalms 119:18). Because from His mouth God gives wisdom and understanding.

“May the utterances of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart find favor before You, God, my Strength and my Redeemer” (Psalms 19:15).