Medrash Shemot Rabba (21:4) explains
that poor men are often ignored. However, a rich
person is often respected. But, in the eyes of
G-d all are equal and are listened to equally,
as it says in Psalms (68:3) “Listener of Prayer,
to You (G-d) all flesh comes.”
The Medrash proves its point by
comparing the prayer of Moses with the prayer of
a destitute man. By Moses, it is written, “a
Prayer by Moses, a man of G-d” (Psalm 90:1). By
the destitute man, it is written, “a Prayer by
the afflicted man” (Psalm 102:1). The Medrash
notes that, in both cases, Psalms refers to a
prayer that G-d hears.
This is further explained by the Medrash
of when the Jewish people were stranded at the
Sea of Reeds and threatened by the powerful
Egyptian army. Some called out to G-d in the
form of prayer for salvation (see also
Nachmandies, Exodus 14:10-11). When Moses
prayed, G-d retorted “Why do you call to me?”
(Exodus 14:15) The Medrash explains that G-d was
telling Moses He had already heard the prayer of
those destitute at the Sea of Reeds.
The Yefe Toar, commenting on the
Medrash, explains that the verse in Psalm
(102:1) is not only referring to a person who is
destitute of materialistic possessions and in
need of salvation, but also a person of wealth
but is destitute of righteous deeds and needs
salvation.
No matter the individual's background,
prayer is not a privilege given to only those
who are worthy. Prayer is a direct line to G-d,
open to all.
Shabbat Shalom
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