Parshat Beshalach - Prayer
by Rabbi Lobel

Medrash Shemot Rabba (21:4) explains that when a poor man approaches his fellow for help, he is ignored. However, if a rich person were to approach him, he would immediately listen and accept his words. But G-d is different. All are equal and 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.