Whats Likutei tefillos 46 about

Likutei Tefillos 46 is a prayer composed by Reb Nosson of Breslov (talmid — disciple — of Rebbe Nachman of Breslov), based on the Torah teachings of Likutey Moharan. It is a deeply personal supplication focused on the theme of prayer itself — asking Hashem to help a person pray with proper intention, to find the "et ratzon" (an auspicious time of Divine favor), and to break through the barriers that prevent genuine heartfelt prayer.

Key Takeaways

Likutei Tefillos 46 is Reb Nosson's prayer composition based on Rebbe Nachman's Torah teachings in Likutey Moharan.
The prayer centers on finding the et ratzon — an auspicious, favorable moment for prayer — drawing on Psalms 69:14.
It emphasizes the struggle of praying sincerely despite feelings of unworthiness or spiritual distance.
The prayer weaves together themes of teshuva (repentance), emet (truth), and clinging to tzaddikim.
Reb Nosson's Likutei Tefillos as a whole transforms Rebbe Nachman's abstract Torah concepts into practical, personal supplications.

Detailed Analysis

Background: What is Likutei Tefillos?

Reb Nosson of Breslov (1780–1844) compiled Likutei Tefillos ("Collected Prayers") as a companion to Rebbe Nachman's Likutey Moharan. For each Torah lesson in Likutey Moharan, Reb Nosson composed a corresponding prayer, translating the mystical and philosophical teachings into direct, intimate speech to Hashem.

This is considered one of Reb Nosson's greatest spiritual achievements — taking abstract Kabbalistic and Chassidic concepts and making them accessible through prayer.

The Core Theme of Likutei Tefillos 46

The prayer draws on a Torah lesson from Likutey Moharan dealing with the concept of et ratzon — a moment of Divine favor and receptivity.

The key pasuk (verse) underlying this prayer is:

"וַאֲנִי תְפִלָּתִי לְךָ יְהֹוָה עֵת רָצוֹן" "But as for me, may my prayer come to You, Hashem, at a favorable time." [Psalms 69:14]

Reb Nosson uses this verse to build a plea: that Hashem should help us find and access those moments of et ratzon — because in our brokenness, we often feel our prayers don't "reach" or aren't worthy of being heard.

Major Themes Within the Prayer

1. The Struggle to Pray (Avodas HaTefillah)

Reb Nosson openly voices the inner conflict many people feel — that one is so distant from Hashem, so weighed down by sins and distractions, that prayer feels impossible or hollow. He asks Hashem to help him pray despite this feeling.

This reflects the Brestover teaching that the very desire to pray is itself a form of prayer, even when words feel empty.

2. Et Ratzon — The Favorable Moment

Central to the prayer is the Kabbalistic idea that there are special moments when the "gates of prayer" are more open. The prayer asks Hashem to:

Help us recognize these moments
Not let them pass unused
Transform every moment of our prayer into an et ratzon

3. Emet — Truth in Prayer

Drawing from [Psalms 69:14] — "ענני באמת ישעך" — "answer me in the truth of Your salvation" — the prayer emphasizes that genuine prayer must be rooted in emet (truth). Reb Nosson asks to be saved from insincere or rote prayer.

4. Connecting to the Tzaddik

Characteristic of Breslov thought, the prayer includes an element of clinging (deveikut) to the tzaddik — in this case, the channel through which one's prayers are elevated and purified. Rebbe Nachman taught that the true tzaddik has the power to lift and rectify (tikkun) the prayers of the generation.

5. Avodah with the Whole Heart

This resonates with the verse from Deuteronomy:

"וּלְעׇבְדוֹ בְּכׇל־לְבַבְכֶם וּבְכׇל־נַפְשְׁכֶֽם" "And to serve Him with all your heart and all your soul." [Deuteronomy 11:13]

The Talmud asks: "What is the service of the heart? That is prayer" [Taanit 2a]. Reb Nosson's prayer is a cry to achieve exactly this — wholehearted service.

Reb Nosson's Unique Voice

What makes Likutei Tefillos so remarkable is Reb Nosson's personal, confessional tone. Like Moshe Rabbeinu, who "pleaded" (va'etchanan) before Hashem:

"וָאֶתְחַנַּן אֶל יְהֹוָה בָּעֵת הַהִוא" "And I pleaded to Hashem at that time." [Deuteronomy 3:23]

Reb Nosson models a form of prayer that is urgent, vulnerable, and completely dependent on Divine mercy — not on personal merit.

Practical Relevance

Many Breslov Chassidim study and recite Likutei Tefillos 46 as part of their personal prayer practice, particularly when they feel spiritually blocked or distant from Hashem. It is seen as a segulah (spiritually propitious practice) for opening the heart to genuine prayer.

⚠️ Note: The specific textual analysis above is drawn from my training knowledge of Breslov literature. For the exact Hebrew text and line-by-line commentary on Likutei Tefillos 46, consult a printed edition of ליקוטי תפילות or the Breslov Research Institute translation. For personal guidance, consult your local rabbi or posek.