While it is true that HaShem is always there, ready to receive our teshuvah, there are times when G-d's “ear,” so to speak, is far more inclined toward us. By way of analogy, think of the sun. It shines from its spot in the heavens every day, but in mid-summer, we experience its rays far more powerfully than we do in mid-winter. It's the same sun, burning at the same intensity, and yet at certain times, we are able to access far more of its heat and light.
Rosh Hashana and all the Aseres Yemei Teshuvah are days to which the Navi (Yeshayahu 55:6) refers when he advises: “Seek HaShem when he can be found; call upon Him when He is near.” When a person knows he has a solid chance of success, he tries harder. For instance, a person would put far more thought, care and effort into preparing for a job interview where he had a high likelihood of being considered for the job. “It’s a good opportunity,” he would think. “Better not waste it.”
Minyan
The very definition of an eis ratzon, according to the Gemara (Berachos 8a) is linked to praying with a minyan. Expounding on the verse, (Tehillim 69,14) “But as for me, my prayer is to You, HaShem, at a favorable time,” it explains that “a favorable time” refers to “the time the congregation prays.” Further support for this link comes from the fact that the numerical equivalent of the words “tefillah b’tzibbur” (815) matches that of “eis ratzon.” The chief purpose of praying with a minyan is to join the communal Shemoneh Esrei.
Mincha
Rashba (Sheilos U’Teshuvos HaRashba, Vol. 5, Siman 1) points out that “just as the Aseres Yemei Teshuvah is the eis ratzon of each year, minchah is the eis ratzon of each day.” The time of Minchah has a special hashgacha pratis for the prayer to rise to the heavens.
Giving Charity Before Davening
The Meiri (on Bava Basra 10a) states that charity [given] before prayer serves as an “advocate between the one praying and his Father in Heaven,” ensuring that his prayers are accepted. This practice is found in the Gemara (Ibid) which relates that Rabbi Elazar would give a perutah (coin of minimal value) to a pauper and then proceed to pray. He explained, “For it is written (Tehillim 17,15) ‘I shall behold your face through (giving) charity.’”
Kindling Shabbos Lights
Every woman has the power to slow down, clear her mind of the frantic run-up to Shabbos, kindle the lights, and then spend a few moments in real conversation with her Creator. The Zohar (Bereishis, 48b) teaches that lighting Shabbos lights “with gladness of heart” brings peace to the Jewish people and long life to the members of the woman’s family.
At the Chupah
The Chasan and Kallah and all who are present at a chupah are standing before the Shechinah. The chupah creates an atmosphere charged with sanctity, crackling with spiritual potential. Whether one prays for the welfare of the new couple, for someone seeking a shidduch, for one’s own children, or any other need – the chupah is an eis ratzon available to all who are fortunate to be there.
At a Bris
The moment of the bris provides “a direct line to Heaven” for prayers recited when the baby cries. The Ba’al Olelos Ephraim states, “Everyone should pray regarding their pain and sufferings at the time the child cries from the pain of the bris, because his [the child’s] voice goes up [to Heaven] without obstruction and will include all other prayers.” The time of a bris is particularly potent for prayers for healing. Rav Tzadok Hakohein (Sefer Pokeid Akorim, Page 13, Os 4) explains that bris milah is a major force for drawing healing into the world. The Gemara (Megillah 17b) reveals that the Anshei Knesses Hagedolah (Men of the Great Assembly) made Refa’einu (the blessing for healing) the eighth blessing of Shemoneh Esrei, because bris milah, which draws down HaShem’s power of healing, is designated for the eighth day.
We see even from this short list that HaShem provides many venues in which He inclines His “ear” closer to us and pays special heed to our sincere prayers.
