The Ariza"l writes that when a person begins to daven he must first connect his heart to Hashem and only then move to action - reciting the words of prayer.
This would seem to be the opposite of the usual way things are done. Usually, we are taught, a person needs to start with action and then move from the "lower" realm of action into the "higher" plane of her inner being. Why is it different when it comes to prayer?
The answer is that when it comes to most behaviors it is true, one starts with the external and works her way to the internal. Prayer is different because it is an act of intimacy between a person and Hashem. When it comes to intimate acts one cannot begin with the external. An intimate act coming from a superficial place is vastly different in nature than one coming from the internal. As such, it is necessary for the internal feelings and frame of mind to be in place prior to engaging in anything external.
This would seem to be the opposite of the usual way things are done. Usually, we are taught, a person needs to start with action and then move from the "lower" realm of action into the "higher" plane of her inner being. Why is it different when it comes to prayer?
The answer is that when it comes to most behaviors it is true, one starts with the external and works her way to the internal. Prayer is different because it is an act of intimacy between a person and Hashem. When it comes to intimate acts one cannot begin with the external. An intimate act coming from a superficial place is vastly different in nature than one coming from the internal. As such, it is necessary for the internal feelings and frame of mind to be in place prior to engaging in anything external.
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