The Art of Prayer
Translated
by Aryeh Kaplan from Rabbi Nachman's Wisdom (Breslov Research Institute)Sichos
HaRan 75
The Rebbe constantly told us to force ourselves to pray with devotion,
strongly binding our thoughts to each word. He said that true devotion is
listening very carefully to the words you are saying.
The Rebbe had told many of his disciples to study the Kabbalistic
writings of the Ari. But even they were not advised to follow the Kabbalistic
meditations (kavanos) found in these works.
He said that perfect prayer is the plain meaning of such words as Baruch
Atah Hashem - "Blessed are You, G‑d."
Devotion is concentrating on the meaning of the words and listening to them
carefully.
The Rebbe would ridicule those who said that one should not force
himself to pray. He advised us very strongly to pray with all our might,
putting all our strength into each letter of the service.
He also instructed us to ignore all disturbing thoughts during worship.
His advice was that we merely pray correctly, disregarding all distractions. He
said that we should turn our minds away from all such thoughts completely.
The Rebbe also said that it might be impossible to go through the
entire service with proper devotion. Still, each person can say a small portion
with true feeling.
We see this all the time. One person might have deep feelings while
saying the Ketores, the prayers in place of the Incense Offering.
Another might pray best during the Pesukei DeZimra, the opening psalms.
I once saw a lesson regarding this in the Rebbe's writings. It was
never copied, and I can
only report what I remember. The Tikkunei Zohar states that there are
masters of the hands and masters of the feet.
There is a transcendental counterpart of the human body, and each of its limbs
corresponds to a portion of the service. Each person is also associated with a
particular limb. When he comes to the part of the service pertaining to his
limb, he is aroused to great devotion.
You may sometimes pray with great devotion. Then the feeling departs,
and the words begin to seem empty. Do not be discouraged, for you have merely
left your area in the transcendental form. Continue the service, saying each
word in absolute simplicity.
Sometimes you will try very hard and still not be able to pray. But
never become discouraged. This is the most important rule of all. Force yourself
to say each word of the service. Make believe that you are a child just
learning to read and simply say the words. In most cases, G‑d will then
touch your heart with a flame and it will be aroused to pray with feeling.
Do not make a test of this. For deep inside, you are very far from
prayer.
Prayer is very high. It is even above the study of Torah. How can you
be worthy of serving G‑d in such a lofty manner?
Do your part. Simply begin the words of the service - Adon Olom Asher Malach - "Lord of the world, who was King. .
." Listen to every word you say. Concentrate and do not let your thoughts
stray. Simply keep your mind on the words of the service. Follow the order of
the service, even without feeling. Continue word by word, page by page, until G‑d
helps you achieve a feeling of devotion. Even if you complete the entire
service without feeling, it is not the end. You can still say a Psalm. There
are other prayers to be said.
In general, you must force yourself to do every holy task with all your
might. This is especially true of prayer. If you are not worthy, it is still
forbidden to become discouraged. Be strong and cheer yourself as much as
possible. This is discussed widely in the Rebbe's published works.
Pray in happiness, with a joyful tune.
Put yourself into a cheerful mood before you begin your worship. Seek
out your good points, using them to bring joy to your prayers. This is
discussed in Likutei Moharan, on the verse (Psalms 146:2): "I will
sing to G‑d (azamra) while I have my being."
The Rebbe's teachings regarding prayer are very extensive, and can only be
outlined here. If you are intelligent, you will understand the main points.
Ponder this well, for it contains awesome advice, and is full of truth and
sincerity.
Look further in the Rebbe's lessons on the, verse (Exodus 15:5),
"Deep waters covered them," and on (Genesis 6:16), "A light you
shall make for the ark," appearing in chapters 9 and 112 of Likutei
Moharan. Open your eyes and contemplate these lessons well.
In these lessons the Rebbe says that the main thing is truth.
You may be distracted during your devotions, but grasp onto truth.
No matter what your level, you can speak the simple truth in your
prayers.
Consider the Rebbe's words, and you will certainly be Worthy of true
prayer. It is an important rule in all devotion.
The Tikkunei Zohar speaks of "hands writing secrets."
We once heard that the Rebbe said that these are the motions one makes during
prayer.
A number of the Rebbe's
writings were destroyed at his express command. There was the Sefer HaNisraf
- The Burned Book -
which he ordered Reb Shimon to burn shortly before Pesach 5568 (1808), while
the Rebbe was convalescing in Lemberg; Chayei Moharan 36b (#3), Yemei
Moharnat 34b. There was also a chest of unpublished manuscripts that he
ordered to be burned by Reb Shimon and Rabbi Naftali immediately after his
passing, ibid. 40b.
Cf. Tikkunei Zohar,
Tikkun 18.
© 1973 The Breslov Research Institute
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