Reflections

An Anthology: The Profound Power of Prayer

04/29/2026 · editor

In short: This collection of classical Jewish teachings affirms that while a person's fate may seem sealed by nature or circumstance, the gates of prayer are never locked. Drawing on the Meiri, Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto's Derech Hashem, and Sefer HaChinuch, the passages together argue that prayer is not merely a petition but a cosmic mechanism: by turning toward God, we draw divine abundance toward ourselves and open what seemed forever closed.

The Gates of Prayer Are Never Locked

Although a person’s circumstances — shaped by birth, nature, and the constellation of his fate — exert a powerful influence on his life, his success, and his experiences, and although a locked door does not easily swing open, none of this constitutes an absolute barrier. The matter is ultimately entrusted to prayer and to deeds. The gates of prayer and of good deeds are never shut; they shield a person and can alter the very order of creation as it was set for him. This is something proper and necessary within the framework of faith and the boundaries of religion.

— HaMeiri (Rabbi Menachem ben Shlomo HaMeiri), Bava Kamma 80

Awakening Draws Abundance

The essence of prayer is this: among the structures that the Supreme Wisdom has put in place, one principle stands out — in order for created beings to receive divine abundance (shefa), they must first awaken toward God, draw near to Him, and seek His presence. The measure of abundance that flows to them corresponds to the measure of their turning toward Him.

— Derech Hashem (The Way of God) by Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto (the Ramchal), Part 4, Chapter 5

“He Will Answer from Heaven All Who Call upon Him”

The Master of all things created them, desires their good, and guided them and helped them flourish through His precious commandments, so that they might merit through those commandments. He also made known to them — and opened a door for them — by which they may attain all their heart’s desires for good: namely, that they ask of Him, blessed be He, in whose hand lies the fulfillment and the power to supply every lack. For He will answer from the heavens all who call upon Him in truth.

— Sefer HaChinuch (The Book of Education), Commandment 433 — Prayer