Praying on Purpose

During times of war, each and every one of us must go to battle.  Prayer is one of the many powerful weapons in our arsenal.

Learning to share our most powerful emotions with Hashem can greatly enhance our connection and moments of formal prayer.

The custom of blowing the shofar throughout the month of Elul is designed to prepare us for the month of Tishrei, although not necessarily in the way we assume. 

This is a time of year during which we seek divine assistance in many different areas.  Perhaps more importantly though, we must remember to show up and claim the blessings that come our way.

Our Elul and Tishrei prayers include a special daily reminder that, in life, the only thing to fear is fear itself.

The month of Elul is a time period marked with distinction - and not merely because it precedes the month of Tishrei. Its special quality provides us with a unique focus for prayer.

The month of Elul invites us to demonstrate initiative in our quest to reconnect with Hashem - and prayer provides us with the perfect opportunities to do so.  

The period of the three weeks offers us a unique opportunity to bridge the past with the present. 

Looking up and reminding ourselves to whom we should always direct our hopes and prayers is the greatest segulah in the world.

The birchos hashachar, recited every morning, serve as 15 unique prompts, directing our minds and hearts to heightened awareness. 

Every morning, we must tend to both our physical and spiritual needs.  All things being equal, one should precede the other.

Prayer and prophecy are two sides of the same coin. By taking a closer look at Moshe Rabbienu's prophetic power, we can gain insight and direction as to how we can most effectively engage in prayer.

Upon awakening in the morning, our primary focus should be to ready ourselves for davening.  Today we begin a discussion of some of the activities we may and may not do before davening.  

The day after Shavuos is the perfect time to remind ourselves that daily prayer is one of the most essential ingredients for success in Torah study.

Birchas HaTorah is only recited once a day, regardless of how many times one actually engages in Torah study.  

The practice of reciting the birchas kohanim immediately following birchos hatorah reveal much about the ultimate objectives of Torah study.

Before engaging in the study of Torah each day, we recite brachos beforehand, as we would before partaking of other pleasures.

Taking revenge and bearing a personal grudge are prohibited by the Torah. The reason behind these prohibitions may serve to further incentivize us to engage in daily prayer. 

When Jews are the subject of negative media attention, what is our instinctual reaction?  Is it possible that we are often missing the point?

On the day of Yom HaZikaron, the citizens of Israel observe a moment of silence, remembering thousands of fallen soldiers and victims of terror. But is this practice, in fact, the proper Jewish response to tragedy?      

Are moments of solitude to be considered a blessing or a curse? The answer may depend on how we choose to experience these opportunities.  

The most important part of davening begins long before davening does.

By asking for divine assistance in our quest to discover the sweetness of Torah, we are reminded that the greatest pleasures in life are acquired through effort and toil.

Contrasting two very similar words in yesterday's parsha provides us with yet a new perspective regarding the benefits of daily prayer.

The timing of the breaking of the luchos can remind us how important it is to be fully present and engaged when davening

The bracha that we recite before the study of Torah reveals the very essence of this most unique mitzvah.

On Purim we wear, and ultimately remove, our masks, reminding us of the great potential of divine discovery through prayer.   

The brachos that we recite every morning before studying Torah serve to enrich and strengthen our relationship with the Giver and Teacher of Torah,

Our morning prayers are arranged in a manner that reflects the architectural structure of the Beis HaMikdash.  This provides us with an incredible opportunity for insight and inspiration. 

Prayer provides us with a unique opportunity to explore the different zones of the mishkan, thereby enhancing all of the relationships in our life.

Ideally, the body and soul are to support each other while navigating this world.  Like many life challenges, at times that is easier said than done.    

The final segment in our risk-benefit analysis regarding the use of a smartphone as a substitute for a siddur.

As the season of geulah officially commences, we are afforded a unique opportunity to reflect upon a foundational principle of prayer.

A soul consists of multiple tiers, each of which enables us to serve Hahsem with greater intent and purpose.

Given the distracting nature of a smartphone, to what extent, if at all, may a case be made favoring the use of such a device for davening? 

In addition to the many obvious benefits of prayer, it can serve to effectively shatter one of life's greatest myths.

Every day begins with a subtle, yet powerful, reminder that each and every person has a singular soul and a unique life's mission.  

Among the many useful apps that modern technology affords us are “siddur apps” which enable us to use our smartphones in place of a siddur.  Is the use of technology in this manner to be endorsed and encouraged or shunned and discouraged?  

As we observe Tu Bishvat, we are offered a special opportunity to reflect upon the eternal lesson behind this important day and what that can teach us about the function and benefits of daily prayer. 

When you look at yourself in the mirror, what do you see? Do you see the real you? The bracha of asher yatzar helps clarify what our eyes fail to perceive. 

Should one stand or sit while reciting the bracha of asher yatzar? While this may be an interesting point to debate, it can also prompt us to ask ourselves more pressing questions regarding the manner in which we recite this bracha. 

Belief and faith are among Judaism's most foundational principles. But the reasons why we should believe go well beyond what most of us assume. 

The human body is an exceptionally sophisticated entity, consisting of profound systems and awesome structures.  A careful review of asher yatzar reveals what is unquestionably its most extraordinary feature. 

Does the traditional model of communal prayer preclude us from achieving meaningful moments of solitude with God? Not necessarily…

Ultimately, every genuine prayer is accepted and makes its mark.  At times though, many years may pass before those results appear evident to us. 

Thoughtful recitation of the bracha of asher yatzar provides us with frequent opportunities to reflect upon the greatest wonder in all of creation.

Davening the amidah properly requires achieving the right balance so that we – and only we – can hear the words that we are reciting. 

Emotions can be deliberately channeled to assist us in our efforts to enhance our prayers and strengthen our attachment to Hashem.

The opening of every blessing concludes with a description of God being King of “Ha-Olam.” This profound word conveys messages of insight, hope, and faith.

Moshe's initial encounter with the Divine Presence can serve as a practical guide as we seek to enhance our prayer experience.

A "healthy" and well-balanced prayer contains two essential ingredients.  But even when one of these ingredients is missing, it retains a degree of potency.