תהלים, פרק ס״ו, פסוק כ׳

Deep gratitude is expressed to God for maintaining an open line of communication and continuing His kindness, even during difficult times or when a person is unworthy. The primary approach among commentators is that God does not push prayer away; rather, He welcomes it and gives it His full attention.

There are various reasons why one might fear their prayers would be ignored. A prayer could easily be turned away due to a person's negative thoughts, yet God allows it to be received [מצודת דוד]. From the perspective of strict justice, a person might not be worthy of having their voice heard at all. The fact that the prayer is accepted stems entirely from God's immense kindness, which operates far beyond the boundaries of strict judgment [מלבי״ם].

The relationship between prayer and divine kindness is profound. While some view the act of God hearing the prayer and His kindness as two equally significant gifts [אלשיך], another perspective suggests that the kindness itself is the very ability to pray. In this view, it is God who helps the individual and guides them to reach out to Him in the first place [אבן עזרא]. Furthermore, when a person chooses to pray even in situations where they are not strictly obligated to do so, they act beyond the basic requirements of the law. In response to this extra devotion, God shows mercy and ensures His kindness remains with them [חומת אנך].

These concepts carry weight on both an individual and a national level. Personally, this dynamic helps define the idea of afflictions of love. These are understood as hardships and struggles that, despite their pain, do not stop a person from continuing to pray [תורה תמימה]. On a national scale, the personal experience of the poet becomes a powerful message of hope for those in exile. It serves as a reminder that just as God heard his individual plea without rejection, He will ultimately hear the prayers of the exiled people and lead them to freedom [מצודת דוד].