A Thought on Bitachon
From the shiurim on Kav Hashgacha Pratis
Words in the Zohar Bereishis p. 199 on the words, “A man of faith an abundance of blessing” (Mishlei 28:20) – even though the food was already in his hand, and even though he already davened for his food in Shemoneh Esrei in the brachah of Bareich aleinu, nonetheless, this did not suffice for him, and before eating he made a special request of Hashem yisbarach for his food. This is proof of the obligation to daven all the time. Regarding this it says, “an abundance of blessing,” because by doing this he brings down an abundance of blessing and good upon the world.
Rav Zusha of Anipoli’s Custom
I heard from Reb Yitzchak and other chassidim that the holy Reb Zusha of Anipoli had the custom before eating, even if the table was already set, to say, “Ribbono shel Olam, Zusha is hungry, Zusha wants to eat.” This is what he would say several times.
(Zehav Hamenorah)
A Great Mitzvah
It is a great mitzvah for a person to ask Hashem for his food, in the morning before he eats breakfast, and in the evening before he eats supper. Regarding this there is a perek in Tehillim, “Tehillah l’Dovid,” recited in the morning after Shemoneh Esrei and in the evening before Shemoneh Esrei. And the reason [for reciting it] is indicated there. And he should raise his eyes to the Heavens when he says the pasuk, “Einei chol eilecha yesabeiru” and “Poseiach es yadecha,” like a poor man who is asking for his needs.
(Sefer Chareidim, ch. 38)
One Must Daven All the Time and in Every Situation
It is said in the name of Rabbeinu the Baal Shem Tov zy”a that even when the food is placed on the table before the person, and he is prepared to eat it, he still needs to daven that nothing should happen, that no problem should interfere while he is eating, and that the food should not harm his health.
There is a source to be found for his holy...
