- The Gift of Tfila
- Rivka Olenick
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- "When a person merits becoming aware of the reality of the
Almighty's existence, one will experience limitless joy." Chazon
Ish (Emunah Ubitachon 1:9)
Awareness of the reality of God through prayer is the most essential
and the most elevating realization of tefila and which we continuously
strive to maintain. Each time we are involved in tefila first we must
recognize that we pray to the Creator of the World, the Master of the
Universe, the One Who does takes notice of our tefila. A clear
understanding that one is standing before God is as important as
understanding the meaning of the tefila. If we do not understand Who
we are standing before then Who are we directing our tefila to? The
Rambam says: "The true worship of God is only possible when
correct notions of Him have previously been conceived." If we
imagine any kind of image that our mind associates or believes to be
God that is actually avodah zara. It is man's nature to constantly
absorb itself in the physical therefore it is crucial that do not
attach anything physical to God. The Third of our Thirteen Principles
of Faith states: "I believe with perfect faith that God does not
have a body. Physical concepts do not apply to Him. There is nothing
whatsoever that resembles Him at all." When we apply this
principle to prayer, it reinforces in our mind the idea that God is
not physical. Our tefila also reinforces the idea that we rely
completely on God, not man. Our awareness of God is absolutely
essential to our tefila - meaning that our intention or the kavana of
our tefila is meaningless if we are not cognizant of Who we pray to -
Who is it that hears our prayers? One's kavana or one's concentration
is what defines one's tefila, since this is the essence of tefila and
the mitzvah of tefila requires kavana.
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- It is uplifting to know that one is serving God by the very act of
standing before Him and with the proper intention, kavana, we ask that
our tefila be heard. Knowing that each and every word that we say is
heard trains us to be "truly involved" in our own tefila and
brings a great sense of joy. We free our mind through our tefila and
we attach our thoughts to God. After all, it is God Who created each
of us, and it is God who gave us this profound commandment of prayer.
We are all given the opportunity through prayer to "connect"
with our mind and with our heart to God. Since God knows all our
thoughts than certainly tefila is how we converse, and God hears. Even
within our human limitations, the mitzvah of prayer can be extremely
meaningful and brings peace of mind and tranquility. From anywhere in
the world one can communicate their thoughts with the Master of the
Universe since tefila is a metaphysical phenomenon.
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- In surrendering one's heart and mind entirely to prayer, it is
important to prepare our thoughts and our feelings toward God. If you
are home, designate a same, special place for tefila where there is
quiet and no other distractions. Do everything so that you don't
disturb yourself with your own needs, including being dressed
decently. The book, Horeb by Samson Raphael Hirsch gives alot
information regarding the guidelines of prayer, it is an excellent
practical reference book for everyone. Tefila is serious, not sad. It
can be an uplifting experience, instead of a burdensome obligation.
There is no need to "rush" through each prayer, and there
will no benefit to you if you do. Ask yourself: "how does tefila
help me?" Since we know that God does not benefit from a person's
tefila, it is obvious that tefila is for our benefit. So, doesn't it
make sense to view tefila as an investment in one's perfection rather
than a tiresome, boring obligation? Approach your tefila slowly and
with an open mind and by concentrating on the ideas. Develop respect
and devotion to God, by trying to eliminate the thoughts that you
think will impede and interfere with your tefila. Take your time and
think about what is bothering you before you pray. If it is possible,
don't let these thought interfere and tell yourself that you will make
time later to think about those things, because now is my time to
stand before The Almighty! Prayer is not silly mental exercise or an
invitation to be frivolous or superficial. This is your time for
mental and emotional purification, a time to open your heart and your
mind to tefila by thinking of God in positive and uplifting ways.
Think of tefila as an opportunity to talk to the One Who understands
all of your needs. Think of God as The One Who provides all of your
needs and sustains you. This is the One, Who gives you access in
obtaining clarity of thought and great Torah knowledge so that you can
survive, and partake with enjoyment the beauty and the good of this
world! Appeal to God for what you honestly need. Everyone needs the
wisdom, insight and discernment that we acquire through Torah
knowledge but we should make this a priority and ask
for it with sincerity. God gives this all to us as gifts! As it says
in the first blessing of Shemoneh Esrei: "You graciously endow
man with wisdom and teach insight to a frail mortal. Endow us
graciously from Yourself with wisdom, insight and discernment. Blessed
are You, H-shem, gracious giver of wisdom." God gives us this as
a gift. We can recite each tefila as fresh and new and so that we are
more inspired to fulfill this command that is completely for our
benefit. When we need to withdraw from our busy, often
over-stimulating lives, we direct our inner selves to God through
prayer. It is our tefila that gives us strength, keeps us calm and
brings us true inner peace. Our tefila is the powerful tool that
builds and strengthens our trust and our love of God- nothing else is
as powerful.
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