When a person davens before Hashem, the question always is, “Where are you coming from?” This will determine how the tefillah will be viewed On High, and which Heavenly conduct he will arouse.
If he comes with the attitude that he’s entitled, that’s the lowest level—for they will then open the books to determine whether he’s indeed worthy... and this will not be very optimal for him.
If he comes from a place of deep pain, he is appealing to the attribute of Heavenly mercy, simple rachmanus—that’s one way to approach. Then there’s a person who approaches with a position of “I may deserve pain, and I am not asking due to my pain... but I am a child of Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov.” This person is taking another course; arousing zechus Avos.
Opening the Heavenly Chambers
These attitudes in our tefillos and petitions to Hashem aren’t only a matter of what we say—but our thoughts, attitudes, and avodah are really the determining factor in which Heavenly conduct we will arouse, and which Heichal, which Heavenly Chamber we will enter. Whichever chamber he opens in his heart—through the thoughts and attitudes in his tefillah—is the heichal that he will be able to access Above. We must keep this in mind.
And there are many Heavenly Chambers that a person can open in his heart. He can open the chamber of joy when he contemplates the goodness of Hashem.... He may open the chambers of Heavenly mercy, and he may access the chamber of zechus Avos, as we have just explained.
