At twilight today, Thursday, May 11th, a new day begins, the 34th day of "counting the Omer". Today marks four weeks and six days of counting.
To "count" (sephar סָפַר) in Hebrew is more than just the physical act of counting. It includes concepts such as "taking account of" and "reckoning". Counting the Omer therefore involves introspection, evaluation and preparation. Why? Traditionally, the end of counting was the day Moses brought the tablets down from Mt. Sinai. So counting prepares the way to receive the Word of God.
PRAYER: Thank you, Lord, for this time of introspection and preparation. On the thirty-fourth day of counting the Omer, we bless You. Thank you for continuing to walk by our side through all seven weeks of the countdown to Pentecost! Amen.
Iyar 20