How can we learn from the prayer of Yishmael in order to effectively pray in such a way that will overpower this force?
When the water was gone from the skin, she [Hagar] left the child under one of the bushes,
and went and sat down at a distance, a bowshot away; for she thought, “Let me not look on as the child dies.” And sitting thus afar, she burst into tears. Elokim heard the cry of the boy, and a messenger of Elokim called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, “What troubles you, Hagar? Fear not For Hashem has heard the voice of the lad where he is. כִּי־שָׁמַע אֱלֹהִים אֶל־קוֹל הַנַּעַר בַּאֲשֶׁר הוּא־שָׁם, .[1]
The Ramban describes the Tefillah of Yishmael in this way:
“Where he is”, בַּאֲשֶׁר הוּא־שָׁם
“Elokim heard the voice of the lad in the place in which he was. He informed her that she will not need to go from there to a fountain or well, for in that very place he will quench his thirst immediately.” [2]
What was so special about this tefillah?
- Based on the fact that he remained where he was and did not continue to look for water, I think Hashem responded to him immediately.
- Ramban tells us that did not have to do additional physical work to obtain water to drink or receive a promise to become a great nation. The well was filled with water for him to drink, right there!. Nature moved to him.
- Notice that Hashem takes on the role of calming Hagar, but does not respond to any other request of hers. It seems as if she cried in despair and with fear, and Hashem consoled her. But to Yishmael, Hashem heard, and responded.
It does not say Hashem had to tell Yishmael not to fear, but he will get water to drink and he will become a great nation. This was only said to Hagar!
I think it is indicative of the fact that Yishmael davened with a conviction and commitment to his davening, so much so that he had no question in his mind of the effectiveness of it.
How do we daven?
When we daven, do we believe Hashem is listening to us personally?
Do we believe that Hashem is truly interacting with us in our tefillos as a conversation?
Do we daven in such a way that reflects this belief?
Do we daven with conviction that Hashem will respond, and can respond infinitely?
Do we daven believing that our prayers have the power to change the nature of the world?
Do we believe when we daven that Hashem can bring the well of water to us so to speak without requiring us to do more?
Or do we daven with the fears of Hagar, believing all is lost, and instead cry out to Hashem in despair but in defeat?
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[1] Beraishis, 21:16-17
[2] (Sefaria, translation of the Ramban)
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Neil Wernick