Tract on Prayer

While firmly planted on the earth below, the ladder in Jacob?s prophetic vision stretched into the heavens above. Jacob beheld angels ascending on this ladder to their celestial abode; he then gazed as others climbed downwards in their stead.This Biblical image, our Sages explain, alludes to prayer. Rung by rung, prayer propels man out of the dreariness and darkness of this world, and elevates him until his soul becomes fully consumed in the Divine light.To be sure, this spiritual ascent does not occur without effort. In reality, prayer entails a relentless battle. A person must struggle valiantly to overcome the gravitational pull of materialism; he must fight fearlessly for spiritual survival, for spiritual rejuvenation.Rabbi Shalom DovBer Schneersohn, fifth Lubavitcher Rebbe, author of the present work, clarifies how one goes about preparing for prayer. Methodically, the Rebbe explains the role and dynamics of contemplation, both before and during worship. With the precision of a master cartographer, he maps the pivotal points that comprise the landscape of this endeavor. All the potential pitfalls and obstructions are clearly marked, and the path leading to our destination is readily discerned.In the words of the author?s son and successor, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn: ?Tract on Prayer is a definitive guide to finding a balm and remedy for the maladies of the soul, and to developing one?s faculties and abilities through genuine service.?