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| Psalm 69: A Favorable Time for Prayer |
What is this 'favorable time' that the psalmist so desired for his prayers?
When is the best time to pray?
Communal Prayer
Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai explained that the
verse is not referring to a particular hour of the day, but rather
to a particular situation. "When is it a 'favorable time'? When the
congregation is praying together." (Berachot 8a)
Rabbi Shimon's answer is surprising. We tend to view prayer as
a private matter, an personal conversation between the soul and its
Creator. Why did the Sages place such an emphasis on public prayer, even claiming
that it constitutes the best, most favorable form of prayer?
The Purpose of Prayer
To answer this question, we need to understand the fundamental purpose
of prayer. Prayer, Rav Kook explained, is a tool
for strengthening moral character. Prayer uplifts and refines us,
bolstering our spiritual path.
A person who lives alone has few moral dilemmas and ethical challenges.
When is our character put to the test?
When we live with others, when it is necessary to share space and other resources.
The need for ethical behavior stems from the
nature of life within a social framework.
Since the primary goal of prayer is to refine our moral
sensitivity, it follows that prayer is primarily for the sake of
those who require such sensitivity because they live in a social
setting. For hermits and recluses, prayer is superfluous. Their
spiritual needs can be met by studying Torah, which bestows a correct
outlook on life and the world.
That is why the prayer of the community is the central prayer.
According to Rabbi Shimon, even the prayers of an individual are only
efficacious through their connection to the prayer of the community.
An individual who prays only for his own needs,
without considering those around him – such a prayer is
self-centered and may very well be rejected. It misses the main
point of prayer.
When the congregation prays together, each
member entreats God for the good of the community. This communal tefillah fulfills the basic function
of prayer – improved social living and moral refinement. This type of
prayer constitutes a "favorable time" for prayer.
(adapted from Ein Eyah vol. I, pp. 36-37; Olat Re’iyah vol. I, p. 261)
Copyright © 2006 by Chanan Morrison
"åÇàÂðÄé úÀôÄìÌÈúÄé ìÀêÈ ä',
òÅú øÈöåÉï"
(úäéìéí ñ"è:é"ã)
"But as for me, may my prayer to You, O Lord, be
at a favorable time ..." (Psalms 69:14)