In the book of his lectures, Words of Faith, Rav Bender stresses the importance of knowing that your prayers and words of Torah are of tremendous significance to Hashem.
ANY mitzvah or holy act is significant in the eyes of God.
On page 325, Vol I, Rav Bender exhorts you to have faith in yourself, explaining that you must say to yourself and to your yetzer hara:
“Even my actions, however they may be, are significant. Even my prayer is important in the eyes of Hashem Yitbarach.”
“If you merit to say words that come from peace of mind—words of hitbodedut between you and your Maker—they are definitely significant. Moreover, they smash through heavens! They are able to nullify decrees.”
When a person focuses himself to speak out loud to Hashem, Hashem figuratively turns away from all His preoccupations and listens.
And because Hashem turns away from all His “Business” and all the matters “occupying” Him, He is NOT making decrees.
“Automatically, all decrees are nullified.”
- Have faith in yourself & the power of your prayers.
- Know that your heartfelt words and good deeds (however imperfect they may be) are of tremendous significance.
- Clear your mind of other distractions.
- Focus your heart & mind toward Hashem.
- Speak to Hashem as you'd speak to a close & genuinely caring friend.
“But,” he concludes, “you need to know this and believe in it.”