How to Turn Daily Prayer Into a Meaningful Connection With Hashem

“Do not make your prayer a fixed routine, but rather a plea for mercy and supplication.” (Pirkei Avot 2:13)

In Pirkei Avot, Rabbi Shimon teaches us that prayer should not be merely a daily routine, but a heartfelt appeal to Hashem for compassion and mercy. What does it mean not to make prayer a “fixed routine”? After all, we are commanded to pray every day, at designated times and according to an established text.

Rabbi Ovadiah of Bartenura explains that this refers to someone who views prayer as an obligation to be discharged, thinking only about when he can finish and move on with his day. Rather than seeing prayer as an opportunity to connect with Hashem, he treats it as another task to check off his list.

Bartenura offers another explanation: Just as a person might recite a familiar passage without giving much thought to its meaning, someone can go through the words of prayer mechanically, without the sincerity of a person genuinely seeking mercy. Simply reciting the familiar words is not enough. We should strive to say them with intention, like someone turning to a person who can help him and earnestly asking for compassion.

Over time, we become so accustomed to the words of our prayers that we know exactly what comes next. We may even finish praying without remembering where our minds wandered along the way. Between our worries, responsibilities, and plans for the day ahead, it is easy for prayer to become just another item on our to-do list.

The very fact that we pray every day offers us a new opportunity each time. We don't necessarily need to pray longer or experience a sudden surge of inspiration. Sometimes, all it takes is one small step: pausing before we begin, paying attention to the words we are saying, and reminding ourselves before Whom we stand.