A few introductory words to this post. Reb Noson was Rebbe Nachman’s primary disciple. He wrote prayers based on Rebbe Nachman’s teachings, and later compiled them into Likutey Tefilot (An Anthology of Prayers).

Hisbodedus (aka hitbodedut) is talking to God in your own words about whatever you want to talk about. Some call it a “conversation” with God. The emphasis with which Rebbe Nachman recommended this practice cannot be overstated.

Q.

I’ve heard a lot of praises about Reb Noson’s Likutey Tefilot. Yet, I’ve never actually used them.  Whenever I have merited to do hisbodedus, I have had what I would call an ego block that doesn’t allow me to go use Reb Noson’s prayers.  Are there some words of encouragement or ideas that you could give me to help give me that boost and convince me to give them more of a try?  I guess I always imagined that if it’s not my words, then how can I use them in conversation with God?

A.

Well, first thing to do is ask your ego to sit down on the bench and rest for awhile. Let’s remember that we are latecomers to avodat Hashem (serious, dedicated Jewish practice). Reb Noson, on the other hand, was thoroughly immersed in Torah and prayer since birth, and was a student not only of Rebbe Nachman’s teachings, but of Rebbe Nachman the person. When he “prays” a teaching, he’s also teaching us. He’s teaching us some of the more subtle points of the lesson. He’s teaching us how to pray.

In all areas of life, beginners learn from watching and imitating experts. Prayer is no different. “Watching” how Reb Noson prays teaches us how we can pray, how we can be better Jews and what it means to be a Breslover Chassid.

That’s one. Also, Reb Noson gave us the Likutey Tefilot. When we say Tehillim (Psalms), we don’t think, “Hey, these are someone else’s words. They’re not going to help me.” When we say Tehillim, they become our words, our prayers. Similarly, Reb Noson’s words and prayers become ours.

Hope this helped.

© Copyright 2013 O. Bergman