Even amongst those who come to hear there are two levels. There are those who know beforehand what it is that they will hear. They are excited with anticipation about the inspiring words they will hear. They appreciate the words of comfort and encouragement that Hashem will say to them or, perhaps, the sharp words of rebuke that will frighten their souls and give them no rest. They know what they have learned about what to take out of a prayer experience and are coming to see what they studied come to fruition.
As the person begins his prayer experience he knows what it is that he will come away with. He is coming to focus and renew that of which he is already aware. As the world churns around him he is engaged in focusing to connect to his inner-self. As wonderful as this is, it is not real listening.
Real listening requires the person to initially completely empty himself. He needs to be prepared to hear and embrace a new insight in his soul - whatever it is that Hashem shines in his Nefesh. Since he believes that Hashem is with him, indeed He fills all of existence, he has no doubt that Hashem loves him and is concerned about his well-being. Hashem hears, knows, sees, and constantly shines before him the path on which he should walk. When the person is communicating with Hashem he therefore is ready to accept any instruction, plain and simple. It is not far for him, it is close, within his mouth and heart as is obvious to anyone who has engaged in this type of prayer.
As the person begins his prayer experience he knows what it is that he will come away with. He is coming to focus and renew that of which he is already aware. As the world churns around him he is engaged in focusing to connect to his inner-self. As wonderful as this is, it is not real listening.
Real listening requires the person to initially completely empty himself. He needs to be prepared to hear and embrace a new insight in his soul - whatever it is that Hashem shines in his Nefesh. Since he believes that Hashem is with him, indeed He fills all of existence, he has no doubt that Hashem loves him and is concerned about his well-being. Hashem hears, knows, sees, and constantly shines before him the path on which he should walk. When the person is communicating with Hashem he therefore is ready to accept any instruction, plain and simple. It is not far for him, it is close, within his mouth and heart as is obvious to anyone who has engaged in this type of prayer.
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