You’re worried about a medical issue and are waiting to see the doctor; you’re about to enter a business deal which could conceivably erase any financial worries in your life; your child is waiting for an admissions reply from your favorite University: Do you say a prayer?
In my experience, the answer is often yes.
The doctor has just told you that the shaded area on your scan was a technical aberration and you’re in fine medical shape; you’ve just closed a hugely successful business deal; your child was just accepted into a top-tier University: Do you take a moment to thank G-d?
I’ll let you answer that for yourself.
The common saying that “there are no atheists in foxholes” would seem to say that people are naturally inclined to pray in times of need. But what about times of success? Of Satisfaction? Are those times when we turn to G-d?
They should be.
This week’s Torah reading contains a verse which tells us that “when you eat and are satisfied, you should bless your G-d…” Scripture only explicitly speaks about a blessing after we’ve eaten, when we’re satisfied and loosening the belt (the Rabbis later instructed us to say a prayer before we eat, too).
One might say that the Torah assumes we’ll pray for food when hungry, but sees the need to instruct us to thank G-d after a good meal.
When we’ve had a success, it’s less instinctive to look heavenward. And when things aren’t unusually successful, but they’re just keeping a good pace, it’s not much different. To use a simple example: If you wake up in the morning and your shoulder hurts, your mind will automatically go to the place of pain. Do you take a minute to feel thankful for your vision and hearing?
Of course we should turn to G-d in time of need. At the same time, we should consciously remember G-d in times when we’re not feeling needy. Every morning, I begin my day with several pages of initial prayers (even before my coffee), which guide me to thank G-d for a new day, for my vision, mobility, etc. I take a moment to thank G-d for my ‘regular’ blessings, recognizing that G-d isn’t just my go-to place for problems, but the source of all good in my life.
Thank you G-d for my blessings. Please keep then coming.