D'var Torah: "And I entreated HaShem at that time, saying....Please let me cross over and see the good land" (Devarim 3). From these words of Moshe Rabenu, our Sages learned the four conditions required for our prayers to be accepted. Firstly, the one who prays must entreat and plead before HaShem. Secondly, he must be aware that he is directing his prayer to HaShem, Who is the Source of Compassion. Thirdly, he must pray at an auspicious time. Fourthly, he must express to HaShem exactly what he needs. Moshe Rabenu fulfilled all four conditions when he prayed to enter Eretz Yisrael. "And I entreated" -- the first condition. "HaShem" the Name of HaShem evoking compassion, the second condition. Thirdly, "at that time" -- Moshe knows the most auspicious time to pray. "Please let me cross over and see the good land" -- Moshe articulated to HaShem exactly what he wanted.
Moral: Moshe taught us the specifications of favorable prayer. The awareness and fulfillment of the four prerequisites of prayer, will carry our prayers to Heaven.
Application: Review the four components of prayer before you pray: entreating HaShem, being aware that HaShem is merciful, praying at an auspicious time, and expressing clearly your needs to HaShem. If we use Moshe's ancient formula, HaShem will surely answer all of our prayers.
(Based on the commentary of the Ohr HaChaim)
