Prayer–A Secret to Prophecy?
by Reb Aharon Rubin, from Eye to the Infinite, shared with permission.
& Inspired prayer – praying with Ruach HaQodesh
The secret to prophecy, says Rav Hai Gaon, is knowing that you are the first conduit to theShechinoh (the Divine Presence) and that all spiritual worlds depend on you. Similarly, theRamban, Rosh and Ba’al HaChareidim all describe the Shechinoh –Throne to G-d’s Glory – as being above one’s head, sensitive to our every thought.[1]
Thus, the masters recommend praying “as if” with the Divine Spirit, picturing the Divine Spirit upon you. First, meditate on the Shechinoh, as if resting on your head. Everything flows from It to your soul-root, and from your soul-root to all the angels and worlds. Now say a few verses, or whatever prayers come to mind.
The more you practise this, the closer you approach this reality. Once you become adept, pray an entire prayer in this fashion. It will be very powerful.[2]
[1] See Iggereth HoRamban (Nachmanides’ Epistle), Orchoth Chaim LeHoRosh, Sefer Chareidim, Chap. 13, and introduction to Siddur Kether Nehorah (by Rabbi Aharon of Zhelikhov).
[2] See note 105. One might also repeat the words of the hymn: נפשי חמדה בצל ידך לדעת כל רז סודך – “My soul desires in the shadow of Your Hand, to know all the mystery of Your secret” זמירות) אנעים – An’im Zemiroth, end of Shabboth morning service).
From Mystical Paths, here.