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Medrash Shemot Rabba (30-200 CE; 21:4) explains that poor men are often ignored. However, a rich person is often respected. But, in the eyes of God, all are equal and are listened to equally, as it says in Psalms: "Listener of prayer, to You (God) 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 God" (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 God 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 God in the form of prayer for salvation (see also Nachmandies, Exodus 14:10-11). When Moses prayed, God retorted (Exodus 14:15): "Why do you call to me?"

The Medrash explains that God was telling Moses He had already heard the prayer of those destitute at the Sea of Reeds.

The Yefe Toar (17th century), commenting on the Medrash, explains that the verse in Psalms (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 God, open to all.

Rabbi Chaim Lobel is spiritual leader of Young Israel of Aberdeen.
www.yiaberdeen.com