Question: All kinds of random thoughts fill my head during davening and especially during Shemone Esrei. Now matter how hard I try thoughts keep popping up and distracting me. Then I get frustrated and my davening gets worse. What can I do to daven better?
Answer: In Chapter 28 of the Tanya, the Alter Rebbe explains that the appearance of foreign thoughts during prayer should inspire the person to pray with increased joy. As Lessons in Tanya explains, ‘The animal soul, sensing danger in the Divine soul’s increased efforts in prayer with devotion, contrives to jar one’s concentration by conjuring up assorted foreign thoughts in his mind. Thus, the appearance of an extraneous thought during prayer indicates that one’s devotion was of sufficient quality to give the animal soul cause for concern; and this realization itself should gladden one and encourage him to continue his efforts.’
In Likutei Torah, Bechukotai, the Alter Rebbe explains that the unwanted foreign thoughts seem to just appear on their own during prayer. However, they are the result of willfully thinking these thoughts outside of prayer. The thoughts then spontaneously enter the person’s mind when he wants to ascend and cling to Hashem during prayer. This is analogous to a long garment that drags in the mud. When a person climbs a ladder, the mud ascends with him. So too during prayer. As the person attempts to ascend the ladder of prayer, the thoughts suddenly appear. However, just like the example in Chapter 28 of Tanya, this can be understood as a sign that the person is moving in the right direction. If he was not ascending, he would not be bothered by the ‘mud’.
The text HaYom Yom, for the 16th of MarChesvan, discusses alien thoughts that enter a person’s mind during the course of the day: ‘...the cause of alien thoughts and evil thoughts is an empty mind. When one’s mind is busy, thought has a purpose to serve, and there is no place for foolish and worthless thoughts that lack substance.’ Therefore, rather than battle the alien thoughts, one should become accustomed to thinking pure thoughts, Torah thoughts. The alien thoughts will disappear. As the Previous Rebbe says, ‘Darkness you don’t drive away with a stick.’
In conclusion: 1. When outside of prayer, think and repeat words of Torah; 2. Learn Chassidus for at least 15 minutes before davening as a preparation for prayer; 3. If an alien thought enters during prayer, don’t give it attention. Calmly return to your prayer with the joyful awareness that your davening is good.
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