By
Peggy Pryor
Peggy Pryor
309 Golf Rd
Webb City, MO 64870
417-673-3694
ppryor@comesurfthe.net
http://www.haydid.org/ledevar.htm
Many times after doing a study on
immersion, people come to us and ask this question. They desire to "elevate
themselves" to a higher level of dedication in their hearts in their
relationship with the Messiah Yeshua. They now know more about what was done
during the time Messiah lived and want to "imitate Him". So, we offer
these guidelines:
I offer these suggestions as
possible sights to be immersed; a river, creak, spring, lake, the ocean, and
perhaps a swimming pool. Wear modest attire, remembering that this is a time of
serious dedication to Yeshua. You will need a witness that will help you say the
prayers and to observe you as you immerse. It is the responsibility of the
witness to see that your hair is loose and not tied with a hair band or ribbon,
and that you go fully under the water three times. Often, the first few times
you may not go deep enough, so they should declare "kosher" or
"not kosher" when you come up so you will know if you need to go under
again or not. They are to keep track of the three times for you.
People often are terrified of
water. Please do not be legalistic about their immersion. I have seen two
physically challenged people desiring to be immersed but fearful of completely
covering their heads with water. I have known people that have accepted Yeshua
on their death bed ... for them it is not possible to be immersed. Please
remember salvation does not have two steps .. the blood of Yeshua and the
Passover lamb is enough. Please do not put guilt or condemnation on the person
to be immersed if they are not physically able. I have heard of people being
immersed in their bathtub or setting in the chair. That is not safe or
necessary.
Discuss with a person before
entering the water about their swimming skills, and try to have them stand in
water that they are comfortable with the depth. Discuss with them about the
preparation of their heart instead of dwelling on possible drowning. Do realize
that God looks at the heart as you go under the water, and each immersion is a
growing experience. Just as your heart grows each time you commune with Him in
your daily reading of the scripture, so will your relationship grow as you seek
Him in your immersion.
When immersing we pray the prayers
as a group before entering the water, and then stand quietly while each
immerses. The witness is the only one speaking and guiding us through the
prayers individually. If you wish to play some quiet music, you may, but most
people desire a time of quiet meditation before they are immersed.
Baruch Atah Adonai, Elohenu Melech ha-Olam, Asher Kid'shanu B'mitzvotav
V'tzivanu al ha-vilah
Blessed are You, O Lord our God, King of the Universe, Who has sanctified us
with Your commandments and has commanded us concerning the immersion.
Baruch Atah Adonai, Elohenu Melech ha-Olam, Shehech'yanu V'kiy'manu
V'higiyanu, Laz'man Hazeh
Blessed are You, O Lord our God, King of the Universe, Who has kept us alive
and perserved us and brought us to this appointed time.The person will enter the water
and dip completely one time. If you are not comfortable with the Hebrew prayer
then you may pray in English. This is not meant to be a religiously restrictive
ceremony. Come with joy and peace to your immersion each time. Then, these
prayers are eithor said or sung.
Y'hi Ratzon Prayer: May it be your Will, O Lord our God and God of our Fathers, that the Temple be speedily rebuilt in our days, and grant our portion in Your Torah. And there we will serve you with awe, as in the days of old, and as in ancient years. Then shall the offering of Yehuda (Judah) and Yerushalayim (Jerusalem) be pleasant to You O Lord, as in the days of old and as in ancient years.
Dip two more times and exit the water.