Talkin' to the Boss

16 Elul 5768

In this day and age, we need things to be fast. Fast cars, fast internet, fast food. We have blackberries to make sure we get emails the moment they come into our inbox. We have cellphones in case we (chas veshalom) aren't at home to field a call. We can order food to our doorstep, all the while getting upset if it doesn't come within the half hour.

Unfortunately, this attitude often seeps into our davening. Very often we'll rush through things, not because we don't want to have kavana, but because we're used to things moving at a quick pace. They guy who finishes the quickest Shemoneh Esrei doesn't do so because he thinks that's the best way to daven - he does so because he's accustomed to doing things quickly in his life.

It is important to take a moment and think about the davening. But not only about what you're going to say, but to Whom you're saying them. When we daven, the world around us melts, and we're left in a big blue room with you and HKB"H (at least that's how I picture it). If we would only think about this for a moment, I guarantee our davening would be totally different.

So the next time you daven, try it. As soon as you take those three steps forward, wait. Don't start ה' שפתי תפתח. It'll be weird, but hear me out. Think about the fact that you are talking, one on one, with the Boss. If you took five seconds and thought about that frightening reality, I would hope to think your words would come out different.

But don't get discouraged - the Boss isn't as frightening as He might seem. Think about this also: despite the fact that HKB"H runs the entire world at every single moment, He still pays attention to every single thing you do. What a wonderful thought! The Guy who runs the whole freaking world cares about little old me? Yes He does - he cares about everything about you. So be encouraged - He's waiting for your tefillos!

הצלחה רבה!