June 11, 2009

PRAYING WITH THE UNIVERSE

From Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan, “A Call to the Infinite” (Moznaim), p. 122.

Praying With the Universe
Rabbi Zechariah of Jaroslaw, Darkei Tzedek 39

When you pray, have in mind to arouse the letters with which were created heaven and earth, all creatures above and below, and all universes. If you do this, then all the universes and all creation will join you in your worship.

When you do this, you arouse these letters, which are the life-force of all creation, and they join your prayers. Thus your thoughts can elevate all creation, and earth alike...

The Baal Shem Tov once told his disciples, “You must even pray for a bird that might be flying by and singing.”