A Non-Jew’s Desire to Pray and Be Heard
Question
As someone who is not Jewish but believes in the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, I deeply desire to worship Him and pray to Him. However, I often find myself unsure of how to approach Him in prayer. I understand that God's standards are high and holy, yet in the midst of my struggles and needs, I long for His help and intervention to set things right in my life. I humbly ask for a prayer on my behalf from a Rabbi as I seek God's guidance, mercy, and restoration.
Answer
Shalom!
Thank you for your question.
Judaism believes that God loves all mankind. One does not need to become Jewish to go to heaven. All that God wants from the Non-Jewish world is that they observe 7 precepts, or commandments. They are known as the “Noahide Laws.” They are called “Noahide Laws” because the requirement to observe these seven laws was given Noah, a righteous non-Jew (yes, the fellow from the story with the flood).
The 7 laws are:
1. Don’t murder.
2. Don’t steal.
3. Don’t worship false gods.
4. Don’t be sexually immoral.
5. Don’t eat a limb from an animal that is still alive.
6. Don’t curse God.
7. Establish a system of justice.
Any human being who observes these laws goes to heaven. There is no need to follow any other religion. You can pray to God in your own words and your own language.
Allow me to recommend the following sites to learn more about what G-d expects from Gentiles: https://sukkatshalom-bneinoach.com/ and https://www.netivonline.org/ which specializes in helping non-Jews with religious beliefs. There is a wealth of information there that you will find useful and inspiring. It is also worth looking up the “Noahide” or "B'nai Noach" movement and consider joining them!