108. Interrupting During “Elokai, N’tzur L’shoni”

18:15 When reciting the prayer “Elokai, n’tzur l’shoni” (“God, guard my tongue”) at the end of Shemoneh Esrei, one may interrupt in order to reply to certain prayers, following the same parameters as interrupting between the sections of Shema and its blessings (refer back to 16:3). However, if at all possible, one should first recite the phrase “yihiyu l’ratzon imrei fi” (“may the words of my mouth be desirable”) and take three steps back. Some are in the habit of saying the verse “yihiyu l’ratzon imrei fi” immediately after the final bracha of Shemoneh Esrei. After reciting the paragraph of “Elokai, n’tzur l’shoni,” the verse “yihiyu l’ratzon” is said a second time. This is a good practice to follow and doing so enables one to reply “Amen” to blessings during the paragraph of “Elokai, n’tzur.” Some authorities recommend reciting a Biblical verse that starts and ends with the same letters as one’s name before saying the verse “yihiyu l’ratzon.” This should be done before the second “yihiyu l’ratzon.”

18:16 As previously discussed (above, 12:3), if one feels the need to use the bathroom, he may not pray until he takes care of it. This is particularly the case when it comes to Shemoneh Esrei. One may not stand to pray so long as he feels the urge to relieve himself. If he had no such need when he started but it developed mid-prayer, he should complete Shemoneh Esrei and not interrupt even if the need is great. A person should contain himself until after completing the final bracha of Shemoneh Esrei. (If he can’t last until after Shemoneh Esrei, it’s a different story. However, he may not interrupt by speaking. If he does go out to use the bathroom, he resumes Shemoneh Esrei from where he left off – see MB 92:11.)