This column includes small doses of Rebbe Nachman’s wisdom, helping us to get through the week in a more spiritual way.
It happens every so often that we suddenly and unexpectedly feel a strong desire to improve in our service of Hashem. This “awakening” is undoubtedly a good thing. Unfortunately, however, it often happens that the feeling comes and goes without any lasting effect. After the inspiration passes, we end up reverting to our familiar status quo.
Is there anything we can do to turn these passing feelings of inspiration into something that will last? The answer is, “Yes!” Rebbe Nachman tells us the following in Likutey Moharan II, 124: “You may be in some place when suddenly you have a thought of teshuva and a deep longing for G-d. Stop then and there in that very place, take a moment to focus on the thought and the feeling of longing.”
He continues: “Turn them into a prayer. Put your longing into words straight from your heart. Don’t wait or move on, even if you are not in your usual place of prayer and study – even if you are going on your way – because if you move on, it could interrupt your train of thought.”
This is something we can all do with the greatest of ease. Simply utter a few words of prayer such as, “Hashem, I feel I’ve been living my life apart from you. I want to be closer to you. Please help me and draw me closer.” Then continue on with whatever you were doing. Simple as that!
Why is it so important to turn these feelings of inspiration into prayer? Because by uttering words of prayer with our mouths we are creating spiritual vessels to receive tangible and lasting benefits. Without creating these vessels, the inspirational feelings will simply come and go without effecting real change.
May Hashem help us during this special month of Elul to feel a great deal of inspiration and may we call out to Him in prayer as the verse states, “Seek Hashem when He is to be found…” Amen.