Prayer: The Ultimate "Connection" By Rabbi Asher Klein KleinAsher@hotmail.com When job searching, a person will naturally always be asking if there is a road that they have not fully investigated or exhausted. The desire to fill the void is great and hishtadlus (effort) is how one fills that void. Often, a person will find their answer or salvation after weeks or months of searching in the most unlikely of places. At this point it becomes abundantly clear that Hashem (G-d) had a plan the whole time that needed to see its way to fruition. Many of the efforts seemed for naught as the one connection, link on a website, or phone call was all that was needed. We can't possibly know which of our efforts with lead to the desired goal, but we can know one thing for sure, and that is that Hashem is guiding us all in the direction that we need to be. With the help of Hashem, the end of this difficult stage in life will come. Prayer is how we strengthen the connection to Hashem and ask him to help us, no matter what our struggles. Below are several ways that one can focus their spiritual energies during these most difficult and trying times. Suggested Prayers: Prayer for Parnossah (livelihood): Shemonah Esrei (the Amidah): A person can become flooded with various tefillahs (prayers) that are written by myriads of authors and often forget that the most basic and powerful tefillah of all is right under their nose. Chazal (our Sages) instituted the shemonah esrei brachos (18 blessings) with the ability to have any request inserted within. The section for parnassah (livelihood) is attributed to the brocha (blessing) of "barech aleinu" (Bless on our behalf). As we ask for rain in its proper time, in order to insure sufficient produce, it is appropriate that one can have in mind that Hashem supply them as well with sufficient income. The brocha of Shema Koleinu (Hear our voice), the last of the brachos (blessings) related to supplication in the shemonah esrei, is the ideal point for a person to put in a personal request. The proper place is before the last sentence preceding the brocha. The Weekday Artscroll Siddur has a prayer for livelihood available at that point (e.g., page 108/109), but a person can insert their own heartfelt words in any language they choose as well. Lastly, the tefilla of Elokai Nitzor (My G-d, guard my tongue) at the end of the shemonah esrei is as well an appropriate tefilla to interject personal prayers. Parshas Ha-Mann (The Chapter of Manna): The commentators cite the Yerushalmi (Jerusalem Talmud) that one who recites this chapter every day is assured that his food will not be lacking. Levush explains that this chapter teaches that Hashem provides each day's sustenance - just as He provided the manna each day in the Wilderness. Where can Parshas Ha-Mann be found? Artscroll, Daily Siddur, Nusach Ashkenaz, page 181c-181f. To view it on the web click here. Pitum Ha'Ketores (a description of the Incense Offering): Although we say this as part of Shacharit (the Morning Prayer service), the custom is to recite it again, after the service is over, as a prayer for great wealth. Our Sages say that Hashem loved the incense offering because it represents unity (as each of the spices mixed together represents different types of Jews.) The incense is associated with Divine Protection from harm and illness and those who offered were rewarded with... abundant wealth. Where can Pitum Ha'Ketores be found? Artscroll, Daily Siddur, Nusach Ashkenaz, page 34, from "Ata Hoo, Hashem" ("It is You, Hashem...") until "Baruch Shem Kevod Malchuso Le'Olam Va'ed" ("Blessed is the Name of His glorious Kingdom for all eternity"), except skipping the "A'ba'yay Ha'Va" ("Abaye listed") paragraph from the bottom of page 38/39 until the middle of page 40/41. To view the Pitum Haketores on the web click here. A prayer for Success: Psalm 112 A prayer for Divine Guidance: Psalm 139 Prayers for help in troublesome times: Psalm 20 Psalm 38 Psalm 85 Psalm 86 Psalm 102 Psalm 130 Psalm 142 Making our Prayers More Effective Daven For Me and I'll Daven For You Chazal teach us that a person that davens (prays) for another person when they need that same thing, will have their prayers answered first. As well, Chazal teach us that a person who shows mercy on others will be showered with mercy from above. Many people have the custom of finding another person who needs the same help from above as themselves and becoming partners in prayer by praying for each other. There is actually an organization that facilitates this: "Daven For Me and I'll Daven For You" (click here). Upon signing up for a specific category (Healing, Child-bearing, Finding a Spouse, Success in Raising Children, or Livelihood), you will be paired up with another family in the same situation, and you will each be davening for each other. Tefillah Zakkah The Tefillah Zakkah prayer that is customarily said on Erev Yom Kippur demonstrates a similar concept. In this prayer we forgive all who have harmed us throughout the year. The effect is hopefully that Hashem sees that we are acting in a forgiving manner that goes well beyond expectations, and we will be treated similarly beyond the letter of the law. Here as well, a person is demonstrating that in their time of need, their focus is on others. This demonstrates to Hashem that they are going well beyond their responsibilities and expectations, and hopefully Hashem will treat them lifnei mishuras hadin, above and beyond what they deserve. Where can Tefillah Zakkah be found? ArtScroll, Machzor for Yom Kippur, pages 38-49. The Importance of Understanding What We Are Saying When Praying A very important point to keep in mind at all times is that the words of the prayers themselves are not magical incantations. Tefillos without kavana (intent) don't carry the same power as true heartfelt prayer. Study and understanding of the words we pray can bring about an unbelievable qualitative enhancement to the words of prayer. May we all merit to see our prayers answered for the good. Rabbi Asher Klein can be reached at: KleinAsher@hotmail.com