This really stretches the concept of "common" prayers and blessings, because it is recited only once every 28 years! It was recited on April 8,1981 and April 8, 2009 and will be recited on April 8, 2037. However, according to the RCA edition of the Artscroll Siddur, this same blessing is also recited upon seeing or experiencing other significant natural phenomena, such as an earthquake, a comet, lightning, or unusually large mountains or rivers.
For Birkat Hachamah, this blessing is recited on the morning of April 8, upon seeing the sun for the first time after it has fully risen (the entire circle is visible above the horizon). It is best recited with a group of people, including men, women and children.
Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheinu, melekh ha'olam
Blessed are you, Lord, our God, sovereign of the universe |
oseh ma'asei v'reishit
Who does the work of Creation |
