D'var Torah: "If you will faithfully observe this entire commandment that I command you, to perform it, to love HaShem, your G-d, to walk in all His ways and to cleave to Him" (Devarim 11:22). The phrase "and to cleave to Him" implies that we have a precious opportunity in this world. Specifically, during our lifetime on earth we are able to draw close to HaShem and pray to Him whenever we want to do so. This may be likened to the following parable. A man needs a great favor from the king, a matter of life and death. His friends advise him to go to the palace and try to plead before the king. In the meanwhile, the king comes incognito into the city where this man lives and stays as a guest in his house. Only after the king leaves, does the man learn that the king had stayed as a guest in his very house. He falls to the ground and cries out, "If only I had known the king was in my house, I would have cried out before him. For sure he would have shown me mercy."
Moral: Man is privileged with a unique closeness to HaShem during his lifetime. Although the souls in Olam HaBah experience unbounded delight, they no longer have the same power of prayer that we enjoy .When we pray, it is as if we are speaking into HaShem's ear; and He will surely hear our prayers with great compassion!
Application: Reflect on the verse says, "Seek HaShem when He is found, cry out to Him when He is close." Meaning, as long as we are in this world -- "when HaShem is close" -- we can call out to HaShem and He will hear our prayers. Take advantage of the special opportunity of our life in this world to pray to HaShem. Take a few moments and cry out to HaShem with heartfelt prayer, and trust that HaShem will answer your prayer.
(Based on the commentary of the Chofetz Chaim)
