Laws of Davening Shemoneh Esray
Part 4: MIND
1. One should wait a little while before starting to pray and focus his heart on HaShem. He shold also imagine that he is standing in the Holy Temple.
2. One should think that the Divine Presence is in front of him and remove all thoughts that preoccupy him, until his mind is free to concentrate on the prayer.
(Pathway to Prayer, Rabbi Mayer Birnbaum)
A One Minute a Day Torah Thought !
In honor of Tu Bi-Shvat
"Torah scholars are likened to fruit bearing trees, simple Jews are likened to trees and bushes that do not bear fruit. The flame of fire appeared in a burning bush - likened to a simple Jew. This teaches us that though the simple Jew may not understand the meaning behind performing the commandments or the words he says in prayer, he still has the fire of Holiness burning in his heart. That bush is not consumed - this is the fire within each Jew which can never be extinguished.".
(Rabbi Yisrael Baal Shem Tov ZT"L - Sefer Torah Tavlin)
50 Suggestions for Concentrating during Prayer!
(22) The Raishis Chochmah says, in order to put oneself in the proper frame of mind one needs to lower his eyes . . . because everything a person sees makes an impression, and that impression stays in his mind. Therefore, when one prays he should not look at anyone's face, and this will be a great aid to concentration.
(Pathway to Prayer, Rabbi Mayer Birnbaum) |
