Let’s start with a classic question regarding prayer. Being that we believe that Hashem runs His world, and everything that happens is for the good, “Why do we pray to change the situation, if everything is for the good?”

One fascinating approach is to give an analogy of a person in a terrible medical situation. The patient comes to doctor and is told that the only solution is a very risky and painful surgery. The patient asks, “Is there no alternative?” The doctor explains that there is one other option. If the patient will do certain exercises, then it is possible that the body will rejuvenate itself in such a way that the painful surgery won’t be necessary. Instead only a bitter medicine could be given to provide a cure. The patient agrees, and after intense physical therapy he returns to the doctor who is very impressed with his progress. The doctor says that given the great success of the exercise, it is probable that if the exercise is continued then maybe even the bitter medicine will be unnecessary. Instead a sweet medicine can be given and solve the problems.

This is the power of prayer even if the challenging situation is for the best. Hashem set the situation up because such was necessary, but how the solution will play itself out, is substantially up to us. In fact the commentaries explain that often the very reason that the challenge is placed before us, is so that we will turn to Him in sincere communication. That’s called prayer.