Reb Noson was once talking about the greatness of prayer. The Midrash states: After the prayers have been received in Heaven, an angel takes an oath from them and then sends the prayers upward, to the Crown which adorns the Holy One’s head (Shemot Rabbah 21:4). “Take note,” said Reb Noson, “even angels cannot rise to the level which the prayers can reach!” (Aveneha Barzel p.88).
Prayer has the power to change nature (Likutey Moharan I, 216). This applies both to the forces of nature and to one’s own human nature. Reb Noson once said, “Nothing can help a person break his unwanted desires except prayer. The reason for this is quite simple. Normally, a person who breaks his desires is left with two desires; just as when a person breaks something in half and is left with two pieces.” But with prayer, we are able to rid ourselves completely of all our unwanted desires (cf. Siach Sarfei Kodesh 1-511).
Rebbe Nachman teaches: A Jew’s main attachment to God is through prayer (Likutey Moharan II, 84). Through his prayers, each Jew acquires absolute mastery and control – he can achieve whatever he desires (Likutey Moharan I, 97).
The essence of our life-force comes from prayer (Likutey Moharan I, 9:1). Prayer brings life to all the worlds (Likutey Moharan I, 9:3).
