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knowledge.” Recite this word by word (as mentioned above). Have for the purpose of knowing Hashem and knowing the entire person is focused, thinks about the words that he is saying and
in mind that you want to know and recognize Hashem, which is the Torah, all of which consists of the knowledge of Hashem. has no alien thoughts, as long as he does not want what he is
purpose of creation (as stated above). And remember that all of your success and good life in this saying and beseeching, his prayer is without deep feeling. It does
world correspond to your knowledge. Therefore, arouse not rise, and it will not be accepted. That is because (as previously
Repeat this phrase—“Graciously give us from Yourself wisdom, your will to want knowledge. Remind yourself that only stated) prayer is not the service of the mind but the service of the
understanding and knowledge”—reciting each word with all your Hashem graciously gives knowledge, so that you may fully heart—and the heart is a person’s intent. This means that prayer
intent and with all your heart. Have in mind that you want to know invest all of your will in receiving knowledge in your prayers with deep feeling exists only when a person wants what he says.
the entire Torah, and to know Hashem by means of knowing the and pleading with Hashem. To the degree that a person works on his will, to that degree his
Torah. service of the heart is complete, unblemished and flawless. Then he
Together with the will to receive knowledge, together with the is assured that his prayer will be answered. As the midrash states,
Again, repeat the phrase, “Graciously give us from Yourself heartfelt desire and yearning to receive knowledge, you must “This is a sign of prayer: if a person has directed his heart to pray,
wisdom, understanding and knowledge.” Have in mind that you focus on each word—i.e., you must recite every word slowly, he is assured that his prayer will be accepted” (Devarim Rabbah 2).
want to know that there is no other but He. with emphasis and feeling. The prayer states, “Graciously give The meaning of the word “directed” is that a person desires what
us from Yourself wisdom, understanding and knowledge.” he is asking for.
Repeat the phrase a fourth time, and as you say the words,
“Graciously give us from Yourself wisdom, understanding and When you say, “Graciously give us,” think: “give us an “Give Me Your Hearts and I Will Lead You on a New
knowledge,” have in mind that you want to know that there is no unearned gift.”
evil in the world. Path”
When you say, “from Yourself,” think: “from You, Hashem.”
Again, repeat the words, “Graciously give us from Yourself Therefore, we learn that prayer is the service of the heart and
wisdom, understanding and knowledge,” with all your feeling and When you say, “wisdom,” think: “the knowledge of things as not the service of the mouth or of the mind. Even if a person
intent, and have in mind that Hashem is solely good and does good, they are.” contemplates every word he says, the essence of the work of prayer
and that everything is good. is the arousal of the heart with will and longing. This is what Hashem
When you say, “understanding,” think: “the ability to infer wants. As our sages state, “The Holy One, blessed be He, desires
Review the words a sixth time and have in mind that you want to one matter from another and comprehend a matter in depth.” the heart” (Sanhedrin 106b). That is to say, Hashem wants us to
know your own insignificance. want what we are praying for. He wants all of our prayers to come
When you say, “and knowledge,” think: “complete knowledge,” from the depths of our heart. Thus, the Rambam rules (Mishneh
The seventh time, have in mind that you want to always know as you connect to and integrate what you intellectually know into Torah: Tefillah 4):
what Hashem wants from you and what He is hinting to you in your life.
everything that you experience. Every prayer that lacks deep feeling is not
“My Soul Pours Out upon Me” (Job 30:16) prayer…. What is deep feeling? That means that a
The eighth time you say, “Graciously give us from Yourself…,” person empties his heart of all thoughts and views himself
plead to find Hashem and know Hashem in everything in your life.
Because prayer as a whole is a framework for the expression of as though he is standing before the Shechinah.
the will, it is possible and necessary to review its words over
Repeat the words again and have in mind with every word that
you want true knowledge and true advice regarding every matter and over again, and each time draw forth new meaning, Therefore, a person must sit for a little while before
in your life. Continue at length and implore and beseech Hashem new and original intentions and new ideas. Therefore, with praying in order to direct his heart, and then pray calmly
for knowledge, and have in mind that you wish to receive true every phrase, you must generate new thoughts and intentions. I will and implore [Hashem]. He should not pray like a person
holy will, a strong and firm will to attain everything that you have explain this here in the most practical way: carrying a burden, who throws it down and goes on his
learned about in this book. way.
“Graciously give us from Yourself wisdom, understanding and