The Power of Tefillah in Difficult Times
During these weeks, we read in the parshah about the galus of Mitzrayim. These parshiyos discuss the slavery of Am Yisrael under the Egyptian yoke, and further on, we learn the story of their redemption.
The sefer Ohr Haganuz brings something amazing: Bnei Yisrael merited that the Shechinah came down to Mitzrayim along with them, and this was in the zechus of their saying Tehillim. (In the Midrash [Bereishis Rabbah 68:11] it is also related that Yaakov Avinu said Tehillim.) And indeed, saying perakim of Tehillim is what stood by our fathers throughout the generations, in every galus and in every difficulty, and became a hatzalah and a yeshuah for them.
The great power of tefillah is revealed specifically in times of difficulty. When a person turns to Hashem through his pain, his tefillah reaches up to the very Heavens. As is brought in the holy Ohr Hachaim (Shemos 2:23), “One of the [types of] tefillos that are accepted is a tefillah said during times of tzarah.” Tefillah in times of tzarah merits a response. The pain itself is like a call from Shamayim, inviting the person to daven and ask for assistance. When a person davens, Hashem hears and listens and saves him.
It is known that reading the parshah arouses the potency of the time that is spoken about in the parshah. During these days of Shovavim, which are exalted days, let us utilize the skill of our forefathers and turn to Hashem in tefillah by reciting Tehillim and asking for a yeshuah from all our tzaros. And Hashem will hear our tefillos and redeem us from every pain and difficulty.
Hold on Consistently to Absolute Emunah
Rebi says: What is the proper way for a person to choose in order to save himself from bad incidences and obstacles in this world?
He should love rebuke, because so long as there is rebuke in the world, nachas ruach comes to the world, good and blessings come to the world, and evil departs from the world. As it says (Mishlei 24:25), “But for those who rebuke it shall be pleasant, and a good blessing will come upon them.”
And there are those who say: He should consistently hold on to absolute emunah in Hakadosh Baruch Hu, and some commentators explain this to mean that his business dealings should be honest, and he should not trick other people.
(Based on Maseches Tamid, 28, 71)
