Old Testament Jews desired to pray because they believed God wanted them to approach Him. They didn’t fear God the way pagans did their gods. In fact, the rabbis said that the Holy One yearns for the prayers of the righteous. They undoubtedly got that truth from Psalm 145:18, which says, “The LORD is near to all who call upon Him” (cf. Ps. 91:15). No true Jew with a right spirit ever doubted God’s priority for prayer. The rabbis rightly believed prayer was not only communication with God but also a mighty weapon that released His power.
