Praying For God’s ‘Needs’ On Rosh Hashana

“The more that the Godly soul is revealed in a person, behold he thinks less on his own needs and his benefit, and it is relevant to him more and more the Godly intention in every thing.”
     – Introduction to Chasidus Mevueres, volume of Torah Or on Tefilla.

The quality and nature of one’s prayers, the Chassidic Masters teach, is a function of the degree to which s/he is governed by the Godly soul within her/him. We possess both a Nefesh Elokis/Godly soul and a Nefesh Habehamis/animal soul. The animal soul is not evil, but like an animal, it is interested primarily in self-preservation and self-gratification. Its purpose is to keep the body alive and healthy so that it can house the Godly soul in order that it can perform its mission of revelation, rectification, and elevation in this material world. Ideally then, the animal soul is, like a tamed and trained animal, to serve as a tool and a vehicle for the Godly soul. Yet the animal is strong, and it can sometimes lead the rider rather than being directed and led. Torah study and the practice of mitzvos is the mechanism through which we strengthen the Godly soul and tame the animal soul.

When one is guided by her/his animal soul, s/he may pursue all manner of brute and material interests. Yet it is possible that one has achieved a more elevated spiritual level wherein s/he is in control of the animal, but it is still a powerful influence. In such a case, one may pursue more holy and Godly aims, but s/he does so for personal growth and elevation. S/he prays for strength and wisdom and forgiveness so that s/he will not be punished for past failings, and so that s/he will be rewarded for obedience and compliance. This is not a failing, the Rebbeim teach, but it is not yet the ultimate level that we are able to achieve.

Ultimately, when one has developed proper sensitivity and receptivity to her/his Godly soul, s/he “thinks less on her/his own needs and his benefit, and it is relevant to her/him more and more the Godly intention in every thing.” One’s prayers at this point are not for what s/he lacks or desires, but for what God “lacks or desires” so to speak. Please help me, God, to be the vehicle through which Your intention is fulfilled in Your creation.

As we approach Rosh Hashana and the Days of Awe, what are we praying for? Of course we must be honest and not pretend that we are yet on that lofty level of complete egolessness and self-transcendence. Yet as we engage in sincere self-accounting and we pray for forgiveness, for growth, and for the needs of ourselves and our loved ones, we can try to access and fortify the Godly soul that is our truest self, and we can ask God not only what we desire of Him, but what in the year ahead He desires of us.

—

Pnei Hashem is an introduction to the deepest depths of the human experience based on the esoteric teachings of Torah.  www.pneihashem.com