BS’D
“Our souls’ true desire isn’t to speak to Hashem, to constantly connect with His constant Presence. But the disparities of life, uncontrollable circumstances and our moods may cause us to interact with HaKadosh Baruch Hu differently each time we pray. Whereas we may sometimes reach angelic heights with our tefillah and cleave to our Abba she’baShamayim, at other moments, we feel uninspired or pray only out of obligation. This is certainly in line with human nature.
Dovid HaMelech suggests that the time of the day we pray influences the type of connection we have with Hashem. Whereas evening is a time of darkness, of great uncertainty and of the unknown, daytime is a time of hope and brightness. “One may lie down weeping arbit night, but with the morning dawn, there is great joy.” (Tehillim 30:6)
R. Samson Raphael Hirsch elaborates on this distinction. He teaches that after we recite the Shema in the morning, we say Emes V’yatziv (true and upright). However, in the evening we recite Emes V’emunah (true and faithful). Similarly, during the day we can look up and see the light of Shamayim. It is easier to feel positive because we can see far into the distance. In contrast, at night we cannot see into the distance as our light source is only the dimmer moon and stars. We must therefore more heavily rely on our faith to reassure us that HaKadosh Baruch Hu is still guiding us.
References to day and night are allusions to good and bitter times in life. We are human. We all face difficulties and dark times that may drag us down. We can use our “daytime moments” — when things are light and clear — to boost our emunah. We can rely on this storehouse of trust during the difficult, darker “nighttime moments” of life, to breathe new life into our emunah- hungry souls.”
– Orit Esther Riter, Turn Around, Day 81, pg. 198
