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Every individual is obligated to dedicate at least half an central element of life, which is the work of the will—i.e., to recite
hour every day to the work of the will! each word of prayer with intent and aspiration, and in this way to
express our good intentions with our mouths and to strengthen
Everyone is filled with good intentions, but not everyone succeeds these intentions and bolster them so that they will have the power
in actualizing what he wants. When a person’s will remains in his to come to fruition and act here in this world, producing endless
heart, it is very weak, and a person can only attain small things profits and helping us acquire spiritual attainments with each prayer
with it. The heart is alive and dynamic. It does not stay still, but it (as will be explained at length in Chapter Eight).
races throughout the entire day, and a person’s intentions change
with tremendous rapidity. Therefore, there is no time for his “Renew a Proper Spirit within Me”
intentions to gain a foundation and to be built up. They are weak
and easily forgotten. Regarding this, our sages say, “Matters within
Regarding the topic of reciting psalms, some people sit down for
the heart are not actual” (Kiddushin 49b). It is true that matters in a few hours and complete the entire book of Psalms. Fortunate
a person’s heart are very significant, because no good will is lost are they! This is an excellent practice. The tzaddikim highly praised
(Zohar: Terumah). But since they have no practical expression, they the recitation of psalms in whatever way one says them. As Rabbi
certainly do not lead to any essential change. On the other hand, Nachman states, “If a person recites them with proper intent, that
a will for which we set aside time and a framework is actual, viable
and stable. It is not a “tower flying in the air” (Sanhedrin 106b), but is certainly very good. But [even lacking that,] the recitation itself
is very helpful” (Wisdom of Rabbi Nachman, Sichot Haran 141).
something planted deep in the ground. “Even if all of the winds of
the world came and blow against it, they would not move it from However, if a person wants to bring about a true, inner change, he
its place!” (Avot 3:17). should not budget the amount of psalms that he wants to recite—for

instance, setting a goal of reciting ten psalms every day—because
I have gathered a great deal of material about the will: wonderful
source texts from the rishonim and the acharonim, matters that then he focuses only on completing the number that he set, and
illuminate the eyes and restore the soul, passages that inspire and he loses the central value of reciting psalms, which is the service
of the will. It is preferable that he consider and decide how much
encourage—enough texts to fill a number of volumes. But in this time he wants to devote to reciting psalms. For instance, he should
book I quote only a very few of them. If it were my sole intention set aside ten minutes for psalms, and devote all of this time to the
to gather sources and ideas on the topic of the will, I would not at service of the will and to reciting the psalms calmly, word by word,
all have dedicated myself to write this book. There are many fine
people who are capable of anthologizing this material, editing it and focusing his entire intent on binding himself to Hashem and desiring
Hashem in every word that he says. And he should repeat again
presenting it properly and intelligently—and it would be a good and and again the inspiring verses that speak of good intention. Thus,
fitting thing to do so. But I know deeply that without a practical I myself have seen great tzaddikim who would repeat the verse,
tool these passages will not have the desired effect. And the power “Remove my eyes from looking at vanity, in Your ways give me
of the will is so great and awesome that it is a terrible pity to leave it
in the category of pleasant and exciting ideas. We need to translate life” (Psalms 119:37) for hours on end. They repeated these words
with special emphasis and intent, and as a result they attained great
the will into practical work—and then its power will automatically levels in guarding their eyes.
be revealed in all of its beauty, majesty and splendor. Then these
matters will grow in truth and depth. Without this practical tool, Rabbi Nachman states, “Every individual on his level can find
there is no point to learning the sources. Therefore, I have brought himself in the book of Psalms and attain repentance by reciting
the reader my contribution to the Torah, the particular portion psalms” (Likutei Moharan II 73). There are verses that express desire