We begin the Amidah by recognizing our total dependence upon God and our partnership with God. Although we pray to God, we also pray with God. Our very ability to speak to Him is coming from Him this very moment. When we say, “Adonai, open my lips,” we should contemplate how all our facial muscles miraculously work with perfect coordination in order to shape our lips to express every letter and syllable. How wondrous is the ability to speak! Who taught us to do that? Who empowers us to do that? Adonai—the Master Self. When we feel God’s presence in our every move—how truly it is He who opens our mouth—our mouth will automatically speak His praises. These praises will not only be about Him, but mysteriously we will experience these praises coming from Him. When we align our will with His will, our vision with His vision, we become His mouthpiece and His presence will reverberate in every word from our mouth. Master, open my lips … I know this prayer is a partnership between us—You open my mouth with Your wisdom and skill and my mouth will then automatically speak Your praise … Let me use the power of speech to exalt You, and as Your mouthpiece, let me channel Your glorious presence.