“G-d’s Glory Cries Out From All Things”

Painting by Helen Frankenthaler

From “Rabbi Nachman’s Wisdom” (Sichot HaRan) 52

Translated by Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan

It is written (Isaiah 6:3), “All the earth is filled with His glory.”

G-d’s glory cries out from all things.

The stories of all nations ring with G-d’s glory. This is the meaning of the verse (Psalms 96:3), “Let the nations tell of His glory.” It is even reflected in their tales.

G-d’s glory cries out, calling you to come close to Him. For G-d wants you with all His love and mercy.

Sometimes your prayers become like flames. The words flow from your lips with burning devotion, touching your deepest emotions. At this time G-d’s own light is inside you, beckoning you to draw near.

Your deep feelings are a spark of G-d’s own essence. It is written (Deuteronomy 10:21), “He is your praise, He is your G-d.” G-d Himself is your praise and prayer.

Sometimes you can literally pray before G-d. When G-d withdraws and is far off, you must still pray to Him.

It is written (Psalms 55:23), “Cast your burden upon G-d.” You must literally cast your prayers, throwing them toward G-d from afar.

The Tikuney Zohar (Tikkun 21, 61b) states, “Happy is the man who knows how to cast arrows.” These are the prayers that must be cast toward G-d.