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10 tips every Jew should know, for a better prayer experience
From the teachings of Rabbi Sholom Dovber Schneersohn.
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From the teachings of Rabbi Sholom Dovber Schneersohn.
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1. Get in the right headspace by quieting all non-prayer related thoughts & concerns.
Easier said than done? Remember if you're able to tune out distracting thoughts to fall asleep, you can definitely do so to speak to G-d!
Easier said than done? Remember if you're able to tune out distracting thoughts to fall asleep, you can definitely do so to speak to G-d!
2. Stay still.
You might be tempted to pace around, but rather than helping you focus on prayer, it makes you more aware of your body than your soul (and more prone to tripping, see tip number 7).
You might be tempted to pace around, but rather than helping you focus on prayer, it makes you more aware of your body than your soul (and more prone to tripping, see tip number 7).
3. Think Chassidus
Before Hodu, review a short teaching of Chassidus in your mind. This will open your mind & heart to properly connect with G-D. (The Rebbe often recommended Tanya Ch.41).
If the inspiration runs out, stop (where appropriate and top it up!
Before Hodu, review a short teaching of Chassidus in your mind. This will open your mind & heart to properly connect with G-D. (The Rebbe often recommended Tanya Ch.41).
If the inspiration runs out, stop (where appropriate and top it up!
4. Be humble/prepare the room
Your mind is the conference room for your audience with G-D. You should ensure it is free of any spiritual "dirt" as befitting a King. Think about how you're inviting in The King & sweep away your ego.
Your mind is the conference room for your audience with G-D. You should ensure it is free of any spiritual "dirt" as befitting a King. Think about how you're inviting in The King & sweep away your ego.
5. Invoke His Mercy
Consider how your soul was contently basking in spiritual light before being ripped away & dumped in your body to do a job in a foreign world. We're taught that imploring G-d to have mercy on your soul will never go unanswered.
Consider how your soul was contently basking in spiritual light before being ripped away & dumped in your body to do a job in a foreign world. We're taught that imploring G-d to have mercy on your soul will never go unanswered.
6. Know before whom you stand
Throughout davening we progress gradually higher through the heavenly chambers, until the Amida where we address G-d directly. Remind yourself of this as you approach the Amida, so it's treated with the proper respect.
Throughout davening we progress gradually higher through the heavenly chambers, until the Amida where we address G-d directly. Remind yourself of this as you approach the Amida, so it's treated with the proper respect.
7. Read every word audibly from a prayer book.
Reading the words from the siddur helps you stay focused. Especially if you say them aloud, this engages your brain and blocks out other sounds, enabling you to be fully absorbed in praying.
Reading the words from the siddur helps you stay focused. Especially if you say them aloud, this engages your brain and blocks out other sounds, enabling you to be fully absorbed in praying.
8. You don't need to be a Kabbalist
The prayers are multilayered. While deep kabbalistic interpretations (kavanos) do exist, they aren't for everyone. Speak to G-d at whatever level you relate to Him, He understand them all. But don't shy away from progress when you're ready.
The prayers are multilayered. While deep kabbalistic interpretations (kavanos) do exist, they aren't for everyone. Speak to G-d at whatever level you relate to Him, He understand them all. But don't shy away from progress when you're ready.
9. Don't let past actions get you down.
Whatever you've been through, G-d is happy to see you. All that really matters is that right now you are here to talk to G-d and nothing you've done can ever get in the way.
Whatever you've been through, G-d is happy to see you. All that really matters is that right now you are here to talk to G-d and nothing you've done can ever get in the way.
10. Prayer prepares you for whatever the day throws at you. No matter how busy you are, if you set aside some time in the morning for meaningful prayer, it'll imbue the day with goodness, so even when you walk through the valley of death, you'll be not afraid for G-d is with you.
Based on Kuntres Hatefillah, Rebbe Rashab, ch.11 ff.
