Rabbi Alon Anava makes a powerful point about prayer. Our purpose in this world is to grow spiritually and come closer to G-d. Therefore, it behooves us to pray to G-d to assist us in accomplishing this feat. Often, we view prayer as a smorgasbord of requests for individual needs and problems. But these can all disappear if our focus remains on cleaving to G-d. As Rabbi Jonathan Cohen zt"l remarked, sometimes you can’t see the forest for the trees, and here, the forest is to entreat G-d to bring us closer to Him. In this way, G-d will be focused on facilitating our path toward the type of spiritual growth we need to draw close to Him, and all other issues will naturally fall away.

Returning

In returning and coming closer to G-d, we have a built-in advantage. G-d is also seen as an initiator in the process. In Eicha (5:21), it is written, "Hashiveinu Hashem eilecha venashuvah, chadesh yameinu kekedem—Turn us back to You, O Lord, and we will return; renew our days as of old.” Here we see the notion of asking G-d to bring us back and smooth our path of return. Knowing that G-d is part of the equation of return gives us even more incentive to initiate.

We also know that all movements below affect the upper spheres. As the Zohar (I:88a) writes, “B'itaruta d'leta'ata it'ar itaruta d'le'ela—An arousal from below causes an arousal from Above.” When we make movements to come close to G-d, these reverberate and have the ability to hasten the process. If we’re praying to G-d with full sincerity that we only want to grow with Him, then spiritual pursuits overcome us, leading us to study halls and passionate mitzvah observance.

Cleaving

We all want life, but we want a spiritual life in this world and the next, giving us an eternal existence. To accomplish this, we must cleave to G-d, as said in the verse (Devarim 4:4), "Ve'atem hadveikim BaHashem Elokeichem, chayim kulchem hayom—And you who cleave to the Lord your G-d are all alive today.” But cleaving to G-d means calling to Him to help you come close. And as the closeness grows, paths open up.

Cleaving to G-d is, in fact, the end goal. As the Mesillat Yesharim (chapter 1) states, “Man was created for no purpose other than to delight in G-d and to derive pleasure from the radiance of His Divine Presence.”

In One Fell Swoop

When one reaches a level where all his thoughts and aspirations begin and end with G-d, then a spiritual synergy is created whereby G-d delivers the person’s next steps with calm and ease.

Imagine being attached to a force of good. All your steps then become good. Your life becomes a straight ladder of positive experiences, manifested through partaking of Torah and mitzvot.

Torah and mitzvot, as enunciated by many, bring happiness in this world and the next. Therefore, while gaining the pleasure of engaging in mitzvot and study, a next world of eternity is being created, where the true dvekut begins, a dvekut personified by basking in the light of G-d. This will be the greatest pleasure imaginable.

What Would Rabbi Hauer Zt”l Say?

Rabbi Hauer zt”l was known for many things, but one in particular was his emphasis on bringing G-d into the national conversation. He said that G-d needed to be discussed more. We’re a nation of G-d, and he felt that we must be consumed by that idea. He always talked about G-d when meeting others. He felt G-d. He lived with G-d, and he provided an example for aspiring to have G-d on our minds. His example is a call to constantly ask G-d to bring us close and orchestrate our next good tidings.

The Eikev Element

Eikev hints to Ikvita D'Meshocha, times of great change, yet the formula for success remains the same. Listening to, guarding, and doing the mitzvot are the keys not only to endure, but to thrive. This is Moshe's final speech, where he conveys what's necessary to carry on as a nation. He’s relying on our success so that he will one day receive his share in Eretz Yisrael.

Rashi famously says that the heel represents those mitzvot that are trampled upon, warning us to treat all mitzvot equally. It's true that we don't know which mitzvot have more reward, but what's behind this theme? “Small” points to details. Life is about the details. One who truly walks with G-d has every aspect of his life figured out. And how does one reach such a state? He prays to G-d to bring him close. It is when there is total focus to ask G-d to allow one to bask in His presence that salvation occurs.

Today’s Times

One could listen to a lecture from a few years ago, and the words would be equally applicable to the times we now face. We’ve been facing dangerous times for quite a while now.

Messianic times are not easy ones. But it’s also the time to return fervently to G-d. If you save yourself, you’re saving the world. Every person is a universe with an extraordinary impact on the fate of our nation. The more you cling to G-d and perform His mitzvot, the more opportune moments will come your way. G-d is good, G-d is truth, and G-d only wants good. He is awaiting every person’s next action.

Conclusion

If you want the greatest pleasure in this world and the next, pray to G-d to bring you close and be with you. In this way, you will grow like you never imagined. Your life will open up, your feet will be heading towards the study hall, and your heart will be involved with good deeds. Think about G-d, talk to Him, grow with Him, and let Him guide your future.