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Prayer That Breaks the Heavens

Question

What kind of prayer breaks the heavens?

Answer

I believe that the prayer that opens the Heavens, as it were, is the simple and sincere one that comes from your heart. It is true that G-d wants our prayers, and it is also the case that G-d wants the specific, heartfelt, true prayer that can come only from you.

There is a practice called Hitbodedut where a person finds a quiet place to be alone with G-d, and pours out everything that is on his or her mind, in his or her own language, the way that he or she would when speaking to a good friend. It is a good idea to take stock of oneself and to ask G-d for the strength you need at this time. The best way to do this is once a day at the same time if possible. I would love to know what your experience of this is after trying it.

All the best,
Tanchum Burton

Answered in cooperation with STAR-K Kosher Certification, Baltimore, MD