Everything in the world comes to us from beyond the world, by way of the grand and colossal stream of Divine Flow (see 2:8:3,3:4:4). Now, for the most part we need to *ask* for it (though a lot comes our way despite us as G-d’s will is played out), and the more fervently and from deep-within we ask, and the firmer our conviction that we’re beseeching G-d Himself, the surer the response. In any event, it’s clear that the innate human need to pray to G-d is rooted in the workings of the universe and G-d encourages us in it.

(In fact, our people have become not spontaneous, dare I say not *impulsive* enough in prayer. We hesitate too often standing before G-d, as if not wanting to intrude, when He wants so much to hear from us and to answer us back full-throatedly and bounteously. Does a baby need to be provoked to cry out for food? Why do we have to be prodded to cry out to G- d when *we’re* hungry … or lonely, pained, weak, poor, or anguished?)

And we’re taught that the immense Gates of Prayer are always wide open, that they face outward, and that we need only turn toward them and call out for help. In fact, we’re enjoined to do that every day in order to allow for the day’s great abundance awaiting us.

Text Copyright © 2005 by Rabbi Yaakov Feldman and Torah.org.