Spiritual Growth Through The Deeds of Our Forefathers

"Spiritual greatness is inborn within each of us, and therefore, the goal of bringing it to the surface is within our grasp...When one aspires to the deeds of our Forefathers, he finds himself propelled along the path of spiritual growth because the opportunity truly exist to reach the loftiest level." (Praying With Fire, Rabbi Heshy Kleinman, page xxxiii)

Obedience to the commandments has a very tangible benefit that is almost never appreciated by the believer.  To the degree we perform the same obligations as Jesus and the prophets, we come to understand that we can achieve a similar level of spiritual growth.  As it is written,

"Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months.  Then he prayed again and the sky poured rain and the earth produce its fruit." (James 5:17-18)

As you can see from the original quotation, I am just beginning the book Praying With Fire.  It is already convicting me that my approach to prayer is grossly inadequate.  Prayer is the principal way that the believer "draws near" to the LORD God, (Psa 145:18-19)(James 4:8).

"The Gemara says that prayer stands at the very heights of the world, yet it is ‘looked down upon and degraded by man.’"  While study of the scripture can bring us into the world to come, "prayer can provide all the necessities of this world, such as good health, a livelihood, peace of mind and spiritual growth."

I will let you know how the book turns out.  Have a blessed day and season during this time of family fellowship.  - Scott