Prayer is one of the most personal acts of faith—a moment where we pour out our hearts, share our hopes, and ask for help. But what if we’ve been thinking about prayer all wrong? According to Noach, Comment 126, prayer isn’t just about getting what we want. In fact, focusing too much on our own desires might actually block our prayers from reaching HaShem. Let’s dive into this mystical teaching and explore how a shift in focus can transform our approach to prayer.
In Noach, Comment 126, we learn that the Shechinah, the divine presence, is actually called “prayer.” This idea is rooted in the verse from Psalms 109:4, where King David says, “And I am prayer.” This isn’t just poetic language—it’s a profound spiritual truth. When we pray, we’re not just speaking words; we’re connecting with the Shechinah, and through her, with HaShem.
But here’s the catch: the way we approach prayer can either strengthen this connection or create a barrier. If our prayers are focused solely on our own material needs—whether it’s wealth, success, or personal comfort—we risk bringing the physical into the spiritual in a way that causes division. The Shechinah is meant to be united with her divine “Husband,” HaShem, but when we insert our own selfish desires into the equation, it’s like throwing a wrench into the works. Instead of drawing closer to HaShem, we end up distancing ourselves.
This teaching brings to mind the verse from Lamentations 1:14: “The L-rd has delivered me into the hands of those I cannot withstand.” When we pray with a focus on our own material gain, we essentially hand over control to forces that we can’t contend with. These forces—our desires, our ego—become a barrier between us and the divine, preventing our prayers from being truly effective.
So, what’s the alternative? Noach, Comment 126 offers a different approach: praying with the intention of uniting the Shechinah with HaShem, without any thought of personal gain. This means that when we pray, our primary focus should be on the spiritual connection itself, on the relationship between the Shechinah and HaShem, rather than on what we hope to get out of it.
This might sound challenging—after all, most of us are used to praying for things we need or want. But the shift in perspective that Noach, Comment 126 suggests can lead to a deeper, more meaningful prayer experience. Instead of viewing prayer as a transaction where we ask for things and hope to get them, we can see it as an opportunity to contribute to the divine harmony of the universe. Our prayers become less about “What can I get?” and more about “How can I help bring the divine presence closer to the world?”
The idea is that when we align our intentions with this higher purpose, our prayers are not only more likely to be heard, but they also become a powerful force for good. By focusing on the Shechinah’s unity with HaShem, we elevate our prayers beyond our personal concerns and contribute to the spiritual wellbeing of the entire cosmos.
Think of it like this: imagine you’re in a relationship, and every conversation you have with your partner is about what you want or need. After a while, that relationship would start to feel pretty one-sided, right? But if your conversations are about your mutual connection, about supporting each other and working together towards a shared goal, that relationship becomes much deeper and more fulfilling. The same goes for our relationship with HaShem. When we pray with a focus on unity and connection, rather than on our own desires, we create a more profound spiritual bond.
But this doesn’t mean we can’t ask for things in prayer. It’s not wrong to ask HaShem for help or guidance. The key is to do so with the right intention—with a focus on how those requests can serve a higher purpose, rather than just fulfilling our own material needs. For example, instead of praying for success in business purely for personal gain, we might pray for success so that we can better support our family, help others, or contribute to our community. The difference lies in the motivation behind the prayer.
Noach, Comment 126 also highlights the importance of self-awareness in prayer. When we find ourselves focusing too much on material desires, it’s a sign that we need to realign our intentions. This doesn’t mean denying our needs or pretending they don’t exist. Instead, it’s about recognizing that our ultimate goal in prayer should be spiritual connection, not just material satisfaction.
In conclusion, Noach, Comment 126 challenges us to rethink the way we approach prayer. By shifting our focus from our own desires to the spiritual union of the Shechinah and HaShem, we can transform our prayers into a powerful tool for spiritual growth and connection. This doesn’t just benefit us—it contributes to the greater good, helping to bring divine harmony into the world. So next time you pray, try focusing less on what you want and more on the divine connection you’re helping to create. You might just find that your prayers take on a whole new level of meaning and power.
This blog is in the zechut of Sara rivka bas malka baila Fruma. And Tzvi hirsch ben rivka. May they have complete emuna and success in all their endeavors as well as Klal Israel.
In my book Pick Me Up HaShem, you’ll find many prayers that explore how HaShem is constantly drawing us closer to Him, inviting us into a deeper relationship through prayer and reflection. These prayers are designed to help you connect with the divine presence in a way that transcends mere requests and taps into the true purpose of prayer.
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