I would like to share another beautiful thought from Rav Chaim Pilaggi’s sefer Moed L’Kol Chai, where he talks about the power of prayer at this time of year. He quotes from Sefer Hasidim that does not specifically refer to this time of year, but nonetheless applies even more so.
From Sefer Hasidim: There is sometimes a person whose prayers should not be answered, based on his merits, but because of his constant supplication and tears, his crying and begging, even though he doesn’t have the merits or good deeds, Hashem accepts his prayer.
Furthermore, the Sefer Hasidim says that if a person asks for something that is a praise for G-d, such as learning better, or anything in the realm of spiritual growth, and he pours his heart out, G-d hears his prayer even though he doesn’t not merit.
These are two very powerful statements on the power of prayer all year, but especially at this time.
Rav Chaim Kanievsky, in his sefer Orchot Yosher, quotes this Sefer Hasidim and backs it up with a Midrash in Tana Dvei Eliyahu. He says that when Moshe Rabbenu was on the the mountain, and G-d was sharing with him His ways- amongst them the 13 Attributes of Mercy (which really apply to Yom Kippur season), Hashem told Moshe that he could not possibly understand the way He works. But Hashem shared with Moshe a small bit of His approach. When Hashem sees someone who isn’t worthy, for his own deeds or those of his parents, just because he stands up and
ומודין ומברכין ומשבחין ומרבין תחנונים לפני
He thanks, he blesses, and he praises, and goes through an extreme amount of supplication,
אני נזקק להם וכופל להם מזונותיהן
I necessitate Myself and double their parnasa.
As it says, פנה אל תפלת הערער ולא בזה את תפלתם:
G-d turns to the prayer of the cactus and does not despite their prayers.
What does this mean? A cactus does not have a lot of nutrients; it is out in the desert. But Hashem turns to the cactus, and does not disgrace it’s prayer.
Another Midrash in Tehilim 102 says this specifically refers to our generations.
Rebbi Yitzhak says it’s referring to us. We do not have a prophet, we don’t have a Kohen, we don’t have a Bet HaMikdash to atone for us.
אלא עוד תפלה אחת שנשתייר להם שהם מתפללין בראש השנה ויום הכפורים, ולא בזה את תפלתם:
We only have one prayer left, the special power of our prayers on Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, )and of course, the days in between(, will not be disgraced.
So that’s the power of the prayer of the cactus- which is us. Our generation has nothing left but prayer. So pour your hearts out.
That’s why, as we’ve said in the past, during Aseret Yeme Teshuva, Hashem is close to us. If He’s close, it’s easy to return, and it’s also easy to to pray. That why we say two things:
דרשו ה׳ בְּהִמָּצְא֑וֹ קְרָאֻ֖הוּ בִּֽהְיוֹת֥וֹ קָרֽוֹב׃
Search for Hashem when He can be found and call out to Him in prayer while He is near.
There is a power to prayer during these days.
The Pele Yoetz says, in his sefer Bet Tefilla, that we have a responsibility, because we are empowered during these days. And just like the Kohen Gadol was held responsible if he did not pray for others, we too are held responsible.
The Pele Yoetz wrote a special prayer that we can still say. It is not too late. It make take about 30-40 minutes to say, if you say it nice and slow, but if you believe that it’s all up to these days, there is nothing more fruitful to do with your time now than pray.
( CLICK LINKS BELOW)
https://www.dropbox.com/s/ajqj2amb8ym7fw8/-%20451%D7%AA%D7%A4%D7%99%D7%9C%D7%AA%20%D7%94%D7%A4%D7%9C%D7%90%20%D7%99%D7%95%D7%A2%D7%A5%20%D7%A2%D7%AA%D7%99%D7%A7%20%281%29.pdf?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/rra6jsv3lv0n29l/451%20Peleh%20Yoetz.pdf?dl=0
Lock yourself in a room and pray. For the ladies preparing, make one less cake or one less roast. It will not make a difference. This prayer will make a difference.
I plead of everyone- take out some time and pray and believe in the power of your prayer- regardless of your merits.
These are the secrets that G-d told Moshe- although Moshe wouldn’t be able to understand.
Begging, pleading, and supplication- That is the power of prayer, especially at this time of year.
Have a wonderful day.