Receiving Abundance through Prayer
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Question
I heard a rabbi say that prayer brings down abundance and only through prayer can we receive what is due to us. My question is: we see many Jews who are far from Torah and mitzvot and do not pray, and essentially do not bring down abundance. Some of them have material abundance and seem to live excellently as if without praying. How can this be explained? Thank you!
Answer
Hello,
There are several reasons why even those who do not pray receive abundance from God.
A. There is abundance that comes to all of creation, like animals and beasts; this abundance is not personal for them but is necessary for the maintenance of the world according to God's plan in creation. However, when a person prays, the abundance comes to him and in a form that is suitable for him.
B. The prayer of a righteous person affects the entire world, 'the whole world is sustained for the sake of Chanina, my son.'
C. The prayer of past generations can have an impact forward. (Deuteronomy 7:9) Keeping the covenant and mercy for those who love Him and keep His commandments to a thousand generations.
In philosophical texts, there are other deep explanations on the matter; I have brought only some of them here.