What is [the meaning of the verse], "Out of the depths I have cried to you"? So have we learned. Everyone who prays his prayer before the Holy King [Zeir Anpin] must ask for his requests and pray from the depths of his heart, in order that his heart is completely with G‑d. Thus, he should concentrate his heart and desire. Did David say it this way? Is it not written, "With [the superficiality of] my whole heart I have sought You"? (Psalms 119:10) And this passage is sufficient, Why is "out of the depths," necessary?

We learned, every person who makes his request before the King must concentrate his mind and desire on the source of all sources, to draw blessings from the depth of the well, in order that blessings shall flow from the fountain of all.

And what is it [this source]? It is at that place [chochma] from where that river [bina] emerges and comes forth, as is written: "And a river went out of Eden." (Gen. 2:10) And it is written: "There is a river, whose streams make glad the city of G‑d" (Psalms 46:5) and this is called "out of the depths." The depth of all [is called chochma]; the depth of the well from which springs emerge and are drawn to bless all. This is the beginning of drawing blessings downward from above.

Rabbi Hizkiyah explains: When the most concealed Atik desires to bring blessings for the worlds, He places and includes everything in that supreme depth [chochma]. And from here a river is drawn and flows and rivers and wellsprings emerge from it, and everything [all the other worlds] is watered from it. And whoever says his prayer, must concentrate his heart and desire to draw blessings from this depth of all, in order that his prayer is accepted and his desire is carried out.

BeRahamim LeHayyim:
Prayer is the service of the heart. And successful prayer comes from the depths of one's heart. Above we learned the spiritual technology of what that all means. But simply, what should we intend? None other than the spiritual giant Ben Ish Chai said: to pray simply, like a child. Request as a poor man does, one who has nothing and is humble and low. Say the words slowly and with meaning. Make them personal. Speak to G‑d as if you are speaking with your best friend. Open yourself up. Be vulnerable. Praise, solicit for the needs of all and then for yourself. Admit/acknowledge/thank. Leave the Sacred Presence.

What does the above mean to you and why is it revealed to you now?


Bracketed annotations from Metok Midevash and Sulam commentaries
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