Reflections

Drawing on biblical examples from Hezekiah to Hannah to Daniel, this article argues that prayer is uniquely powerful among all the commandments — capable of healing the sick, averting death, opening the womb, ending famine, winning wars, and securing redemption from exile. Quoting the Sefer HaIkkarim (Book of Principles), it concludes that prayer, like a universal balm, works for every person and every need, even for the most complete sinner.

This collection of classical Jewish teachings celebrates the extraordinary power of prayer. Drawing from the Midrash, the Ramchal, the Shelah, and other sources, the passages together convey that God listens to every person who calls out — not only the righteous, not only in great crises. Prayer with a joyful heart, with tears, with persistence, and even without great merit is precious to God and never goes unanswered. The evil inclination’s fiercest battles, the sources warn, are waged precisely against prayer.