“Rabbi Shimon said: When you pray do not make your prayer “set.” Rather pray for mercy and supplicate before HaShem, as it says: “For You are gracious and merciful, patient, and abundant in kindness.’”

Our sages tell us that prayer stands in the “highest heights of Heaven.” Accordingly, when a person prays with sincerity he feels close to HaShem. We feel that since we prayed with concentration, HaShem hears our prayer. Even more, we might assume that the success of our prayer is dependent on the level of intensity that we put into the prayer.

However, the above Mishneh says “do not make your prayer set.” Meaning, do not rely on your concentration but rather on the pure kindness and mercy of HaShem, i.e., “Pray for mercy.”

In light of this, King David said (Psalms 52:10): “I am like a fresh olive tree in the House of  HaShem; I trust in the kindness of HaShem forever and ever.” That is, just as an olive tree keeps fresh leaves throughout the entire year, so too, King David prayer was always “fresh” because he relied solely on the infinite kindness of HaShem.

In addition, the Midrash tells us that HaShem gives great reward for Torah study and the performance of good deeds. However, He gives an even more wondrous reward to those who pray to HaShem and rely totally on His grace, kindness, and compassion.

When we pray to HaShem may we recognize His amazing kindness, as per the prayer, “He is good for His mercy never stops; and He is merciful for His kindness never ceases.” (Based on the commentary of the Ya’avatz)

Today: When you pray rely totally on HaShem’s goodness, kindness and mercy.

Copyright © 2010 by Rabbi Zvi Miller and the Salant Foundation

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