אות - עא

It is already explained that one should not pay attention whatsoever to the alien directions and strange thoughts and confusions that arise during prayer. Rather one should do one's own part (136) — to proceed in one's prayer in order, and not pay attention to any confusion and strange thought whatsoever — only doing one's own part, and not turning one's face to look at these thoughts at all. He also said that this is a great benefit — what alien thoughts come upon a person during prayer. For these thoughts are like a wall and a shield before him. For when a person prays properly with great force, the accusers and destroyers come to harm him — but these thoughts stop them, for the accusations become embodied in these thoughts and are detained there. And therefore one should not be confused at all by strange thoughts during prayer. 136. RAK: See above 12, 26. Chayai Moharan 590.