It's a sign you're doing something truly special.
The Zohar" target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="source-link">Tikkunei_Zohar" target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="source-link">Tikkunei Zohar, specifically in section 89, delves into the power of unhindered prayer. It draws a fascinating parallel, connecting the effortless nature of prayer to the biblical story of Rebekah. Remember in Genesis 24:15, "And it was, before he had finished speaking, and behold Rebeccah emerged..."? The text sees a direct link between the speed and ease of Abraham’s servant's prayer being answered and the arrival of Rebekah. And it doesn’t stop there.
The Tikkunei Zohar also references Isaiah 65:24: "And it shall be, before they shall call, that I shall answer, while they are yet speaking, I shall hear.” These verses aren't just about divine responsiveness; they're about the immediacy of that response. The lack of delay, that sense of things happening even as we're asking, is key.
So, what's the big deal about a smooth prayer life? The Tikkunei Zohar puts it this way: "Worthy is he, who does not prevent the Queen from ascending to the King!" Now, who are the King and Queen in this analogy? We're talking about God (the King, so to speak) and the Shekhinah (the Queen). The Shekhinah is often understood as the divine feminine presence, the immanent aspect of God that dwells within creation, within us.
The text suggests that when our prayers flow freely, without obstruction, we're actually facilitating a reunion between God and the Shekhinah. We are, in essence, helping to bring the divine presence closer to ourselves and the world. Our prayers become a vehicle for connection, a bridge between the earthly and the divine.
But what about those times when prayer feels difficult? When the words just won't come, or when our minds are cluttered with distractions? The Tikkunei Zohar offers a stark warning: "Woe to those people who are closed of heart and eyes, who do not strive to know the glory of their Master, to favour Him with His Shekhinah, with many supplications and appeasements, for Him to descend towards the Shekhinah."
This isn't about guilt or judgment. It's a reminder of the incredible potential we hold within us. We have the capacity to open our hearts and minds, to cultivate a connection with the divine, and to actively participate in bringing God's presence into the world. It implies that a stagnant prayer life reflects a blockage within ourselves, a failure to fully engage with the divine glory that surrounds us. It's a call to action, urging us to strive for deeper understanding and connection.
So, the next time you find yourself in prayer, pay attention to the flow. Is it easy, natural, and heartfelt? Or is it labored, forced, and distracted? Perhaps the answer can tell you something about your relationship with the divine – and your role in bringing the Shekhinah closer to God, and to us all. Maybe that's the true power of prayer: not just asking for what we need, but actively participating in the unfolding of the divine plan.