The Psalm speaks of God hearing the prayer of the downtrodden. Yet the
expression "You prepare their heart" is peculiar. Is it not
the supplicant who collects his thoughts and directs his mind before
beginning to pray? Why does the verse appear to assign the task of
preparing the heart - to God?
The Sages taught: "One who prays needs to direct his heart to
heaven." [Berachot 31] They based the
requirement for directing the heart on this phrase, "You prepare their
heart". Again, it is not clear: who exactly is preparing the heart and
mind?
There are in fact two levels of kavana - intention or focus - in
prayer. The first level is cognizance of the meaning of the words and
overall idea. This is the basic and primary form of kavana.
A more advanced kavana is an awareness of God's infinite
greatness. The Talmudic advice to "direct one's heart to
heaven" refers to this second level. We should contemplate
upwards to the heavens, elevating our thoughts to reflect on the sublimity
of God's Name.
This is how the Sages interpreted the psalm: You - consciousness
of You and Your boundless grandeur - "will prepare their
heart" - will serve to direct their hearts and minds.
This explanation fits in nicely with the end of the verse. The soul is
uplifted through meditation on God's Name, thus achieving the goal of
prayer. Such a successful prayer is more likely to be accepted. You
- focusing on Your Name - "will prepare their heart", and this will
result in "Your ear will be attentive", to answer their prayers.
[Ayn Aya I:131]
"God, You have heard the request of
the lowly. You prepare their heart; may Your ear be
attentive." [Ps. 10:17]
You Prepare Their Heart
