Let’s be real: when most of us pray, it’s usually about something we need, right? “HaShem, please help me get that job,” or “HaShem, could you maybe throw a little extra cash my way?” It’s cool, we’ve all been there. But Noach, Comment 133 is here to flip the script on what prayer is really about—and spoiler alert, it’s not about filling your Amazon cart with divine goodies.
So, let’s dive into this ancient wisdom with a modern twist. We start with a verse from Psalms that says, “A prayer to a poor man, when he is enwrapped, and pours out his words before G‑d” (Psalms 102:1). Hold up—why does it say “a prayer to a poor man”? Shouldn’t it be “a prayer from a poor man”? This little mix-up is actually a major key in understanding what prayer is all about.
Here’s the story that breaks it down: Imagine there’s this super chill, compassionate king. He makes a big announcement: “Yo, anyone who needs something, just hit me up, and I’ll hook you up.” Naturally, people flock to the king asking for all sorts of things—money, power, that new iPhone. But then there’s this one wise dude who shows up and says, “You know what, King? I just want to chat with you three times a day. That’s it.” The king, totally impressed by this guy’s priorities, grants his wish and says, “Oh, and by the way, anytime you come to talk, feel free to raid my treasure room. Take whatever you want, no questions asked.”
Now, here’s the plot twist: the king is described as “poor.” Wait, what? A king with unlimited treasure is “poor”? Here’s the deal—this king, aka HaShem, doesn’t care about material stuff. That’s all handled by his “treasurers” (think: angels, natural laws, cosmic Amazon warehouse workers). What HaShem really wants is a genuine connection, a heart-to-heart with you.
So when the verse says “a prayer to a poor man,” it’s talking about a prayer directed at HaShem, who isn’t about the bling but about the bond. The wise guy in the story gets it—he doesn’t ask for material stuff. He just wants to hang with the king. And guess what? Because he’s focused on the relationship, he ends up getting access to all the treasure anyway. But that’s just the cherry on top, not the main deal.
This is where we need to shift our own prayer game. Instead of rattling off a list of wants, we should be asking ourselves, “Am I here to get something, or am I here to connect?” When we prioritize that connection with HaShem, everything else becomes secondary. The material blessings might still come (who doesn’t love a little bonus?), but they’re not the focus. The real treasure is the connection itself.
The Mishnah in Pirkei Avot 2:13 nudges us in this direction too, saying, "Be careful with the recitation of the Shema and the Amidah prayer." Translation: Don’t just mumble your way through prayer—think about what you’re doing. It’s all about that deeper connection, baby!
Even the Talmud backs this up. Berachot 34b talks about how prayer is a way to clean up our spiritual act and get closer to HaShem. It’s less about the “Gimme, gimme” and more about the “I’m here, let’s talk.”
So, let’s rethink how we approach prayer. Instead of treating it like a wishlist for the universe, let’s see it as an opportunity to really vibe with HaShem. When we focus on that connection, we unlock something way more valuable than anything we could ask for—an authentic, spiritual bond that fills us up in ways that stuff never could.
And if you’re down to take this connection even deeper, Kabbalah’s got your back. This mystical side of Judaism dives into the big questions about our place in the universe and how to strengthen our relationship with HaShem. Plus, by sponsoring my Kabbalah studies, you’re not just investing in ancient wisdom—you’re investing in blessings that could light up your life with health, happiness, and maybe even a little extra sparkle.
So next time you pray, remember: it’s not about the loot, it’s about the love. And that’s the ultimate prayer hack.
This blog is in the zechut of Ben tzion ben shoshana. May he have complete emuna, easy parnassa tova and HaShem help him attain all his hearts desires speedily 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.
If you’re ready to dive deeper into these spiritual truths, consider studying Kabbalah, the mystical tradition that unlocks the profound secrets of our reality and draws us closer to HaShem’s divine wisdom. Delve into teachings that illuminate the “why” behind the Torah, connecting the layers of Creation in a synergized whole and offering a glimpse of HaShem in a way no other study can. From the timeless wisdom of Rabbi Chaim Vital and the Arizal to the unifying insights of Rabbi Sar-Shalom Sharabi (Rashash), Kabbalah not only transforms your spiritual understanding but also brings peace, protection, and redemption closer to our world. Sponsor my study in this sacred tradition and receive its blessings for sustenance, health, and family, ensuring that the powerful light of Kabbalah shines in your merit.
Σχόλια