Prayer – Preparing for prayer and davening at length

תפלה – הכנה לתפלה ותפלה באריכות

The Rebbe's guidance on preparing for prayer and on the chassidic way of davening with contemplation:

Contemplate before you pray. Before each prayer, think about G-d's greatness — at least before each of the three daily prayers (IK 3705). Daily contemplation before prayer brings great benefit, spiritually and practically (IK 4731, 6654). The contemplation can be divided over several days (IK 6628), and it doesn't have to follow the exact words of the discourse — understanding it in your own words is what counts (IK 3762). Real preparation includes humility and submission before G-d (IK 403).

What to do before davening. Learn Chassidus before praying (IK 3021); Tanya is especially valuable then (IK 8299). Give tzedakah beforehand (IK 6654, 6628). Immersing in a mikveh before prayer is a valuable custom (IK 8546). Don't drop the customary preparations before prayer, even out of zeal to perform a mitzvah on time (IK 5751). Thinking over Chassidus between Yishtabach and Yotzer is permitted and prepares one for what follows (IK 2341).

Davening at length. Lengthy, heartfelt prayer is valued (IK 4094). Keep it up among young people too, as it strengthens them against outside influences (IK 1520). On Shabbos especially, pray at length rather than rushing home after the minyan (IK 3315). Deep intention in one's own prayer comes before hurrying to hear Kedushah (IK 3567). One who prays slowly or on his own can still unite with the congregation in the deepest sense (IK 1196).

But within limits. Don't postpone the start of Shabbos morning prayers until midday; begin with the congregation (IK 2760). Balance joining the congregation with not skipping parts of the prayers such as Pesukei d'Zimra (IK 6583). Prayer and study should combine mind and heart, each inspiring the other (IK 2251). Steady attention to daily conduct matters more than grand preparations (IK 3310). A mashpia can guide one's inner service (IK 7222).

See also: Prayer – Concentration and distracting thoughts.

Shiurim in this topic

1196. On Prayer with the Community and True Avodah על תפלה בצבור ועבודת אמת

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1520. Bar Mitzvah Blessings, Avrech Guidance, and Prayer Length for Youth ברכות בר מצוה, הדרכת אברך, ואריכות תפלה לנוער

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2251. On the Book Na'im Zemiros Yisrael, Torah and Prayer, and Their Connection על הספר נעים זמירות ישראל, תורה ותפלה, והקשר ביניהם

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2341. Studying Chassidus Between Yishtabach and Yotzer עיון בחסידות בין ישתבח ליוצר

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2760. Not Agreeing to Begin Shabbos Morning Davening at Midday אין הסכמה להתחיל תפלת שחרית בשבת בחצות היום

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