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on the wholeness of his will in his prayers. Thus, if a person’s will knowledge.” Recite this word by word (as mentioned above). Have for the purpose of knowing Hashem and knowing the entire
is not integrated into his prayer completely, his prayer does not in mind that you want to know and recognize Hashem, which is the Torah, all of which consists of the knowledge of Hashem.
have the power to bring about salvations. In order to bring about purpose of creation (as stated above). And remember that all of your success and good life in this
salvations, we need complete prayer emerging from complete world correspond to your knowledge. Therefore, arouse
will. Our sages teach that “prayer is a substitute for the sacrifices” Repeat this phrase—“Graciously give us from Yourself wisdom, your will to want knowledge. Remind yourself that only
(Berachot 26a), and a verse states, “Do not sacrifice whatever has understanding and knowledge”—reciting each word with all your Hashem graciously gives knowledge, so that you may fully
a blemish in it, because it will not be willingly accepted for 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
you” (Leviticus 22:20). A lack of will is a blemish—it is lacking. And the entire Torah, and to know Hashem by means of knowing the and pleading with Hashem.
the verse indicates that the blemish is in the will. Supernal “willing Torah.
acceptance” mirrors our will. When there is a blemish in our will, Together with the will to receive knowledge, together with the
there is a lack of “willing acceptance” in heaven. This applies to Again, repeat the phrase, “Graciously give us from Yourself heartfelt desire and yearning to receive knowledge, you must
our prayers: when a person’s will is whole and it is attached and wisdom, understanding and knowledge.” Have in mind that you focus on each word—i.e., you must recite every word slowly,
connected to his prayer—like that of Hannah, who poured forth all want to know that there is no other but He. with emphasis and feeling. The prayer states, “Graciously give
of her will—the prayer is called “perfect service,” and it is willingly us from Yourself wisdom, understanding and knowledge.”
accepted. Therefore, when God listens to our prayers, they are Repeat the phrase a fourth time, and as you say the words,
said to be “willingly accepted.” But when we lack will in prayer, “Graciously give us from Yourself wisdom, understanding and When you say, “Graciously give us,” think: “give us an
that prayer is blemished, and it is not willingly accepted. Thus, this knowledge,” have in mind that you want to know that there is no unearned gift.”
prayer is not answered. evil in the world.
When you say, “from Yourself,” think: “from You, Hashem.”
A pleasing allusion to this appears in Rabbi Nachman’s statement Again, repeat the words, “Graciously give us from Yourself
that the presence of some minor turmoil in a person’s prayer wisdom, understanding and knowledge,” with all your feeling and When you say, “wisdom,” think: “the knowledge of things as
indicates that his service of Hashem is not whole (Likutei Moharan I intent, and have in mind that Hashem is solely good and does good, they are.”
4). Rabbi Nachman calls this minor turmoil a sheretz—an unclean, and that everything is good.
crawling creature—because the word sheretz has the same letters as When you say, “understanding,” think: “the ability to infer
the word ratzon, “will.” The turmoil in a person’s prayer prevents Review the words a sixth time and have in mind that you want to one matter from another and comprehend a matter in depth.”
his will from entering completely into his prayer. As a result, says know your own insignificance.
When you say, “and knowledge,” think: “complete knowledge,”
Rabbi Nachman, “This Jew cannot engage in wholehearted service.” The seventh time, have in mind that you want to always know as you connect to and integrate what you intellectually know into
The blemish in his prayer is the opposite of the wholehearted service what Hashem wants from you and what He is hinting to you in your life.
of Hashem.
everything that you experience.
This supports the wonderful and fundamental description of deep The eighth time you say, “Graciously give us from Yourself…,” “My Soul Pours Out upon Me” (Job 30:16)
feeling in prayer: a person’s deep feeling in prayer corresponds plead to find Hashem and know Hashem in everything in your life.
to his intent. The more intent a person has in prayer, the more Because prayer as a whole is a framework for the expression of
deep-felt it is. When a person’s intent is whole, his deep feeling is Repeat the words again and have in mind with every word that the will, it is possible and necessary to review its words over
whole, and therefore his prayer is whole and effective! you want true knowledge and true advice regarding every matter and over again, and each time draw forth new meaning,
in your life. Continue at length and implore and beseech Hashem new and original intentions and new ideas. Therefore, with
I will explain: What is the meaning of “prayer that lacks deep every phrase, you must generate new thoughts and intentions. I will
feeling”? Certainly, I am not talking about a person who daydreams for knowledge, and have in mind that you wish to receive true explain this here in the most practical way:
holy will, a strong and firm will to attain everything that you have
while he prays—i.e., who says the words without even thinking learned about in this book.
about them. Clearly, there is no feeling there at all. But even if a “Graciously give us from Yourself wisdom, understanding and