Prayer
en
Analysis of the verse 'Adonai sefatai tiftach' (Lord, open my lips) that precedes the Amidah. Rashi interprets 'Adonai' as a request for forgiveness: sin evacuates the recognition of God's sovereignty, replacing 'Adonai' (my Lord) with 'Elokai' (my judge). Only after forgiveness can one say God's praise (tehillah), which becomes the vehicle for prayer (tefillah). The structure of each blessing contains praise, request, and a closing formula (hatimah).