The Sefer Ha’Ikarim (Maamid 4, Perek 24) writes: “Many times, people daven properly, in the proper time and in the proper way, but the tefillah is not accepted. This could be the result of a punishment or because the person is not worthy of having his prayers answered until he davens some more or because Hashem knows that the thing he is asking for is not good for him. Because He cares for him, He does not accept his prayer. For example, someone who is davening for children may not be answered because Hashem knows that the children will be bad, or someone who davens for money may not be answered because Hashem knows that money will cause his death. Therefore, it would be better to daven by saying, ‘Ribono Shel Olam, do Your will Above and give nachas ruach to those who fear You below, and help me in the way that is good in Your eyes.”
More in this printout
- It Is Forbidden to Give Up HopeExplore the powerful lesson from Moshe Rabbeinu and King Hezekiah that one must never despair, as even a simple prayer in times of distress can annul a decree.
- Daven to Hashem, Even When One Cannot Properly ConcentrateThe Sefer Zera Kodesh explains that one should daven to Hashem in any situation, regardless of their ability to concentrate or their current state of mind.
- He Included All Future Prayers in His TefillahThe Zera Kodesh explains how Moshe Rabenu opened the gates of prayer for all future generations, including all subsequent tefillos within his own supplication.
- The Power of Prayer With TearsExplore the profound spiritual impact of praying with tears, featuring insights from the Kretchnifer Rebbe and a moving story about the Chofetz Chaim's mother.
- Engaging in Much PrayerDiscover how Hashem answers the prayers of every individual, regardless of their perceived worthiness, as explained through Tana D’Bei Eliyahu and Tehillim.
- Seeing Only The Good of Eretz YisroelRav Menachem Mendel of Kotzk explains Moshe's prayer to see only the goodness of Eretz Yisroel and avoid the negative perspective of the Meraglim.
- Accomplishing Many Things With TefillahThe Kretchnifer Rebbe explains that although Moshe Rabbeinu's 515 prayers did not grant him entry to Eretz Yisroel, they were effective in many other ways.
- Annulling Decrees Through PrayerA Torah insight explaining how prayer sweetens bitter decrees, transforming harsh judgments into soft words as evidenced by the Haftorah of Parshas Va'eschonon.
- A Way to Overpower The Yeitzer HaraThe Kretchnifer Rebbe explains how to overcome the Yeitzer Hara by focusing on the present moment, as hinted in the verse Today if you listen to My voice.
- One Who Davens Regularly is Answered ImmediatelyThe Dubno Magid explains why regular prayer is answered faster than occasional prayer, resolving a Midrashic debate on whether the gates of prayer ever close.