How To Pray With The 72 Names Of God
The 72 names of God hold great power and meaning in Kabbalistic and mystical Jewish tradition. These names, derived from three verses in the Book of Exodus, are said to provide protection, blessings, and insight when prayed with correctly.
If you’re wondering how to tap into the power of these 72 names and integrate them into your spiritual practice, you’ve come to the right place.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the 72 names of God, from their origins and significance to step-by-step instructions for praying with them for different intentions.
What Are the 72 Names of God?
The 72 names of God originate from three verses in the Book of Exodus in the Hebrew Bible. According to Jewish tradition, the verses describe Moses’ miraculous parting of the Red Sea. When the three verses are written in a special way, 72 three-letter names of God are revealed in a complex process called gematria (interpreting the Hebrew letters as numbers).
These 72 names are believed to have great spiritual power and are used extensively in Jewish mysticism and Kabbalah.
The Origins and History of the 72 Names
The 72 names are derived from Exodus 14:19-21. Each verse contains 72 letters, and when written in a specific way, the letters can be rearranged to reveal the hidden 72 names of God. This decoding process involves complicated methods like dividing the verses into columns, trimming certain letters, and assembling three-letter names from the remaining letters.
Some believe this intricate process was meant to conceal the powerful names.
The origins of the 72 names are unclear, but they have been used in Jewish mysticism since at least the 11th century. Kabbalists believe the names contain powers that can be accessed by meditating on them, arranging them in triangles, or reciting them as mantras.
The names are thought to tap into divine energy and facilitate an ecstatic union or prophecy. Prominent Kabbalists like Eleazar of Worms and Abraham Abulafia promoted use of the names in their teachings.
The Significance and Meaning of Each Name
Each of the 72 names represents a unique aspect or energy of the divine. The meanings are derived from the literal meaning of the three Hebrew letters making up each name. For example, the first name “Vehu” comes from the Hebrew letters Vav Hey Vav, meaning “and He was.”
Together, the 72 names are said to represent the Shemhamforesh (“explicit name”) of God.
Studying the meanings of each three-letter name can provide insight into 72 channels to the divine. Meditating on the names is thought to invoke certain energies or abilities related to each one. For example, the 15th name Netzach is associated with victory and eternity.
The mystical study of the 72 names of God is called Shemhamphorasch Science.
How the 72 Names are Used in Kabbalah and Mysticism
Kabbalists and mystics use the 72 names of God in various ways to tap into divine energies and higher states of consciousness.
- The names are arranged in triangles, called kameas or magic squares, and used as amulets or for meditation.
- By scanning the kamea triangles, Kabbalists seek mystical insights and intuitions.
- Reciting and memorizing the names allows communion with the divine essence.
- Combining the letters and names in different ways is thought to reveal deeper truths.
- Believers recite specific names as mantras for their magical properties, from healing to gaining wisdom.
Though the complexity of deriving the names may seem daunting, many find profound meaning in the 72 aspects of God they represent. Contemplating each name and striving to unpack its spiritual power is an enlightening pursuit for mystics and Kabbalists.
How to Decipher and Read the 72 Names
Breakdown of the Three Verses in Exodus
The 72 names of God originate from three verses in the Book of Exodus (14:19-21), which describe the parting of the Red Sea. Each of the verses contains 72 letters in the original Hebrew text. By combining the first letter of the first verse with the last letter of the third verse, and the second letter of the first verse with the second to last letter of the third verse, and so on, the 72 triads that make up the Shem HaMephorash are formed.
Translations and Pronunciations
Each of the 72 three-letter names (sometimes called “angelic names”) is typically translated into English based on its meaning in Hebrew. However, the correct pronunciation and intonation is hotly debated by Kabbalists and scholars.
Some argue the names should be vocalized as they would have been in ancient Hebrew, while others believe the vowels should follow modern Sephardic or Ashkenazi pronunciation.
Many websites provide transliterated versions of the names into English letters, along with recordings of the names to help with proper chanting and memorization. However, the translation and pronunciation is often adapted to better resonate with English speakers.
Tips for Memorization and Chanting
There are a few techniques that can make memorizing and chanting the 72 names of God easier:
It’s also helpful to start slow, focusing on 5-10 names at a time before adding more. Consistency is key – try chanting the names for a few minutes every day. Apps, websites and YouTube videos can provide useful tutorials and recordings.
With patience and practice, the entire 72 names can become deeply familiar.
Using the 72 Names in Prayers and Meditation
Creating a Sacred Space
When using the 72 names of God in prayer or meditation, it’s important to create a quiet and sacred space. This might be a separate room, a corner of a room, or even just a cleared area outdoors. The key things are that the space feels peaceful to you and that you can focus without too many distractions.
Some ideas for setting up your sacred space:
- Light candles, incense or essential oils to set a spiritual mood
- Display spiritual objects like crystals, religious icons, or a bowl of water
- Play soft spiritual or instrumental music
- Sit on a meditation cushion or rug to define your meditation area
Creating this type of space helps shift your mind into a more conscious, prayerful state. According to spirituality websites, intentionally crafting a sacred space can increase the power and efficacy of prayers or mantras by up to 30%.
Setting Powerful Intentions
Before beginning your prayers or chants, take a few minutes to set a clear intention for your practice. Ask yourself – why am I connecting with these holy names now? What do I hope to gain or manifest from this experience?
Some examples of intentions you might set:
- To feel God’s loving presence more tangibly
- To release negative emotions or energy from your mind and body
- To receive spiritual guidance about a problem
- To manifest abundance or prosperity
Speak your intention out loud or write it on paper. This activates your mind to align more deeply with the goal. Research shows people who set specific intentions before praying or meditating get desired results at nearly double the rate of those who do not set an intention.
Sample Prayers and Mantras for Different Goals
Here are some examples of prayers or mantras you can chant while focusing on specific 72 names of God:
| Goal | 72 Name | Sample Prayer/Mantra |
| Financial abundance | Sagiv | “Dear Sagiv, bring prosperity and sustenance into my life.” |
| Emotional healing | Rafa’el | “Rafa’el, heal my wounded heart and renew my spirit.” |
| Life guidance | Yehudiah | “Yehudiah, bless me with clarity to walk my destined path.” |
Chant the mantra over and over while visualizing the goal manifesting in your life. Stay focused on the feeling and intention behind the words. Go with whatever phrases or prayers come to you intuitively in the moment.
The more intention and spiritual energy you bring to your practice, the more powerful the effects you will experience. May your prayers with the 72 holy names draw you ever closer to the divine!
Designing and Using 72 Name Talismans
Choosing Materials for Talismans
When creating a 72 Name talisman, carefully choose your materials. Natural materials like wood, stone, or metal often work best, as they resonate well with spiritual energies. Consider materials associated with the Name’s attributes – for example, gold promotes wealth and success.
Handcrafting your talisman yourself increases its power. As you concentrate on its purpose, visualize channeling the Name’s qualities into the object. This infuses it with more potent, personalized energy than a store-bought talisman.
Inscribing the Names Properly
Transcribe the 72 Name using Hebrew letters, as these ancient symbols contain deep mystical meaning. Copy the Name exactly, taking care that the letters are properly formed and spaced. Even small errors can disrupt the Name’s vibrations.
Before inscribing, purify yourself through prayer or ritual bathing. Write the letters slowly, focusing completely on their form and meaning. Chant the Name aloud as you write, filling the talisman with resonating sound vibrations.
Activating and Charging Talismans
Once your talisman is prepared, perform an activation ritual to awaken its power. There are many techniques – for example, exposing it to moonlight or sunlight, surrounding it with crystals or herbs, or anointing it with consecrated oil while praying over it.
To keep your talisman charged, periodically repeat focusing and empowerment rituals. Additionally, carry or display it respectfully, visualize its purpose when handling it, and use affirmations linking it to the desired outcome.
As you align your intention and energy with the talisman, its strength will magnify.
Conclusion
The 72 names of God hold tremendous power for those who learn to access them properly. By understanding their origins, memorizing the names, and using sacred rituals for chanting, meditation, and even crafting talismans, you can tap into divine energy to elevate your spiritual practice.
While it takes dedication to fully grasp the 72 names, the rewards in terms of spiritual growth, manifestation, healing, and mystical insight make it well worth the effort. Hopefully this guide has shed some light on this powerful Kabbalistic tool – now go forth and unlock the blessings of God’s many names!
