עֲבוֹדַת הַתְּפִלָּה הִיא הַמֵּבִיאָה הֲשָׂגַת הַמּוֹחַ בְּהַרְגָּשַׁת הַלֵּב, וּשְׁנֵיהֶם יַחַד בַּעֲבוֹדָה בְּפוֹעַל הַמִּצְוֹת בְּיִרְאַת שָׁמַיִם וְקִנְיַן מִדּוֹת טוֹבוֹת.

Serving G‑d through prayer1 brings one’s intellectual comprehension into the emotions of the heart, and both [heart and mind] unite in the actual observance of mitzvos with a fear of Heaven and with the acquisition of positive character traits.2

Living as a Chassid

Extended meditation in prayer is a time-honored Lubavitch tradition. It is said that no Lubavitch shul or shtibl is complete without a Chabadnitze — a fond diminutive Yiddish name for the modest side room in which one can find a tranquil corner that lends itself to praying in deliberate contemplation.

The intent of extended prayer is not merely to experience a flood of spiritual emotions. That would be self-indulgence. Rather, humbly standing before G‑d in prayer is intended to change a person’s motivation and outlook on life, thereby enabling him to redefine his individual identity and purpose.