Do not Pray. Prayer means there are two entities, one entity petitioning a higher one.
Instead of praying, connect. Become one with your Maker, so that Divine energy will come through you and into our world to heal the sick, to cause the rain to fall… ~ R’ Tzvi Freeman
Rabbi Nechunya ben Hakanah was asked by his disciples how he had merited such a long life. He answered them: “I never sought honor at the expense of my fellow, I never went to sleep without forgiving anyone who might have offended or injured me that day and I was always generous with my money.” ~ Talmud Megilla 28a
Desires must be purified and idealized, not eradicated. ~ Vilna Gaon
Whenever you see that someone has made a mistake, view the situation as a learning experience to prevent yourself from making similar mistakes. Moreover, utilize this experience as a guide to what knowledge and information you should try to impart to others so they, too, can avoid making similar mistakes. ~ Ralbag
There are two basic approaches that are possible to take when you see someone doing something wrong. One is to speak harshly to the person and tell him that what he is doing is wrong. But this approach does not tell people how they should behave and how they can correct what they did wrong. This is like stabbing someone with a sword; it is not a healing approach.
The approach of the wise is to show people how they can correct what they did wrong. This is a healing approach and the only words that are said are those conducive to healing. ~ The Vilna Gaon
The concept of Shabbos is far beyond our comprehension. We will never understand the full measure of the kedusha of Shabbos. Shabbos is much more than refraining from doing the 39 forbidden labors. It is a time when Hashem’s glory is apparent on earth. The kedusha of Shabbos permeates every action a Jew performs. For example, the berachah of Borei peri hagafen, “Who creates the fruit of the vine,” which we say in Kiddush, hold a higher level of kedusha than when it is said during the week. And so it is with everything we do on Shabbos.
The degree of kedusha that enters a person’s heart depends on his readiness to receive it. As it says, “It is a sign between you and Me, to know that I am Hashem who makes you holy!” (Shemos 31:13). Shabbos is the instrument with which Hashem infuses holiness into our hearts.
~ Kuntres Chidushei Torah as quoted by R’ Dovid Meisels
How can a man blind his eyes to his actions or slacken his efforts, if afterwards, when he can no longer straighten out what he has made crooked, he will unquestionably suffer? ~ Mesilas Yesharim
Arouse your concentration and remove all disturbing thoughts from your mind, so that when you pray, your thoughts will be pure.
If you were speaking to an earthly king, who is here today and tomorrow in the grave, you would be careful with your words, concentrating on each one, lest you say something wrong. When you pray, you are speaking before the King of kings, the Blessed Holy One. You must concentrate all the more. God probes all thoughts, and before Him, thought is the same as speech. ~ R’ Yaakov Ben Asher (1270-1343), Tur, Orach Chaim 98
Before you begin to daven each day, take a few moments to meditate on this idea, and see the effect it has on your davening.
Tonight, the 8th night of Chanukah is Zos Chanukah. My post earlier this morning inadvertently indicated that it is today, and so I wanted to correct that. I sent out this post today in order to prepare for tonight and tomorrow.
What the tzaddikim of the generation accomplish through their lofty Neilah prayers on Yom Kippur, a simple Jew can ask and accomplish with his prayers on Zos Chanukah, the eighth day of Chanukah. ~ Rav Yisroel Rhiziner zt”l
Use tonight and tomorrow as an opportunity to really connect with Hashem!
If you have some time to say Tehillim by the candles, I have heard that it is a segula to say the following Chapters of Tehillim after lighting the candles:
• Chapter 90: Read the last Pasuk from this chapter. “Vehi Noam Hashem…” Then go
straight into reading Chapter 91
• Chapter 91: Segula for protection and salvation from any illnesses or anything bad.
Before the Jews went to fight the yevanim, they said this perek and they
were able to win.
Say this perek 7 times out loud, 1 time quietly to yourself.
Then, you can also say the following:
• Chapter 30: Segula to get rid of fears and anxiety
• Chapter 33
• Chapter 67: This perek is in the shape of the Menora and is a Segulah for protection.
At the end of each of the above Chapters, say the prayer Ana Bekoach which could be found in the siddur after karbanos or before lecho dodi in kabalat shabbos.
At the end of these prayers, gaze at the candles and draw the “hidden light.” It is an enormously auspicious time to pray for all your needs.
Emuna Daily 