(For the previous installment of "And Abraham Approached," click here.)
The Unique Potency of a Navi’s Prayer:
We now turn to a pivotal question in our exploration of prayer: Which humans possess the capacity for effective prayer? What kind of individual can leave an imprint upon creation itself merely by putting his thoughts into words?
We find an answer in a Torah verse about the power of Abraham’s prayer:
Now return the man’s wife, for he is a navi,1 and he will pray for you and you will live. (Genesis 20:7)
The prayer of a navi carries unique potency, a notion underscored in this verse as well:
And if they are nevi’im, and if the word of Hashem is with them, let them intercede with Hashem… (Jeremiah 27:18)
The efficacy of prayer is based on more than faith or fervor alone; it is intrinsically linked to the individual’s stature and role as a navi. This beckons us to ponder: What essence is encapsulated in the term navi?
How to be a Navi:
Rashbam (here) offers an enlightening perspective on what being a navi entails and its indispensable connection to prayer. When Hashem said that Abraham’s prayer will be accepted because he is a navi, says Rashbam, He meant this:
He is regularly with Me, and he speaks My words; I love his words and hear his prayer.
Let us delve into this profound declaration, striving to understand its essence and how we might embody its wisdom in our daily lives. Our goal is not just to study a theoretical idea but to transform our prayers so that they echo with the potency of a navi's, bringing us closer to the divine with every word we utter.
To be a “regular” in Hashem’s presence signifies a profound shift in worldview: It means adopting Hashem’s perspective as one’s own. This journey involves individuals actively conditioning themselves, through consistent practice and mindful reflection, to perceive the world through the eyes of Hashem and to consider what unfolds within it from the perspective of the great divine plan. These individuals not only position their consciousness within the sacred presence of Hashem but also transform their interaction with the physical world. Their perceptions and actions become deeply infused with divine wisdom, enabling them to navigate the complexities of life with a clarity and purpose that transcends the ordinary.
This engagement with the divine perspective trains a person to “speak Hashem’s words,” which signifies a transformation where one’s speech and expressions naturally emanate from a place of divine understanding and connection. The words of such a person are divine, inasmuch as they reflect the divine perspective on the universe.
The man who says those words Hashem would say, if He would speak to us in human language – he is a navi.
For the navi, it naturally follows that Hashem “loves his words and hears his prayer,” since his words are Hashem’s words, made articulate for the human ear. In his role of giving voice to the word of Hashem, the navi also shapes that word through his own understanding of it, and that is the essence of prayer.
The Navi’s Access to Divine Counsel:
In line with this insight, we can understand a midrash regarding the revelation of Sodom’s impending destruction to Abraham which invited him to intercede with prayer. On the verse, “Hashem said: Shall I conceal from Abraham what I am about to do?” (Genesis 18:17), the midrash explains why Hashem saw fit to reveal His plan to Abraham:
“Hashem… doesn’t do anything without revealing his secret to his servants, the nevi’im” (Amos 3:7). The Holy blessed be He said: “…Abraham is a navi, as it is stated: ‘Now return the man’s wife, for he is a navi’; Shall I, then, not reveal to him [what I am about to do]?”2
By virtue of speaking Hashem’s word, the navi gains intimate access to Hashem’s counsel. This relationship is rooted in the idea that Hashem’s deeds in the world are expressed through words that people can understand. The Hebrew word for “thing” in the phrase “Hashem… doesn’t do anything” is “davar,” which also means “word,” highlighting how divine actions are closely tied to spoken language. Therefore, the navi, who is adept at expressing Hashem’s words, gains unique insight into Hashem’s plans. More than that, through his speech, a navi has the ability to affect how these divine plans unfold in the world.
The capacity of the navi to influence Hashem’s will is a testament to the power of the word. The navi’s words, echoing Hashem’s own, have the potential to shape reality, guiding the course of events in accordance with divine wisdom. This dynamic interaction between the divine will and the prophetic word illustrates a symbiotic relationship in which the navi plays a critical role in the unfolding of Hashem’s plans. The navi’s role is to make the word of Hashem audible and clear, which he can do only through his own understanding of the word. Thus, through this sacred dialogue of prayerful speech, the navi not only gains insight into the divine will but also actively participates in its manifestation.
Toward Accessing the Divine Word:
As we reflect on the profound role of a navi, we are guided to consider how we, too, might approach Hashem’s word with the same reverence and intentionality. In our next segment, we will explore a specific praxis for accessing the divine word. This will not be about achieving prophecy in its traditional sense but about cultivating a mindset that enables us to perceive and reflect Hashem’s will in our own speech. Through practical guidance and reflection, we aim to unveil paths that allow each of us to engage with the divine word, transforming our prayers, our actions, and our mindset toward a more profound communion with the Divine.
Stay tuned as we continue our journey into the heart of prayer, seeking ways to embody the wisdom of the nevi'im in our daily spiritual practice.
(For the next installment of "And Abraham Approached," click here.)
The Hebrew term “navi” (plural: “nevi’im”) is commonly translated as “prophet,” but this translation may not fully capture the word’s rich meaning in its original context. The concept of a “navi” in the Torah encompasses more than the traditional notion of prophecy as it is often understood. The broader and more nuanced interpretation of “navi” that follows will help us appreciate the significance of a navi’s prayer.
Is there a contradiction here between the idea of the Navi putting himself so-to-speak in the place of HKBH, but also subjecting Divine actions to human judgement?