Embracing Humility Through Prayer

I learned from Michal Alexander (based on the Ramchal’s Mesilat Yesharim), that achieving the trait of anivut (humility) begins with conducting one’s thoughts with anivut and then translating those thoughts into actions of anivut. This process reflects the principle of sof maase bemachshava techila[1]—the outcome of an action is shaped by its initial intention. Michal further elaborates how this intentionality in performing a mitzvah allows us to align with the very machshava (thought) that Hashem used to create the world. By approaching mitzvot with deliberate intent, we become partners with Hashem, resonating with His original machshava (thought).

Michal further connects this to the kavannah (focused intention) required before reciting the divine name A-D-N-Y. In that moment, we must hold in mind[2] haya, hove, veyihye—He was, He is, and He will always be—unifying past, present, and future into a single, timeless point. Through this, we draw geula (God’s revealed presence) into the world. To me, Michal’s teaching reveals that intentional prayer is a profound exercise in achieving anivut, as it harmonizes body and soul in service of Hashem.

[1] Rav Shlomo HaLevi Alkabetz in his Lecha Dodi

[2] As taught by Rabbi Simcha Weinberg n’y