A STUDY OF IMMERSION/BAPTISMS
THE WALK OF PURITY
By: Peggy Pryor

Part Five: Now What Do I Do?

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 (preferably a messianic rabbi, messianic pastor, or some other congregational leader) 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.

      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.

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.

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.