iSing-Pesukei d’Zimrah-Kavanot for the Three Weeks-Ashrei

In Psalm 145:19, we read, “He will fulfill the desire of them who fear Him.” But we must first express a wise desire, one that reflects Awe of God. Ask yourself, do you offer prayer voicing your desire for wise things, such as fine children, acuteness in Torah study, and endowment with a lofty soul? Do your desires reflect Awe of God (Michtevei haRav Chafetz Chaim, page 108)?

We, of course, want God to fulfill all the desires we express in our prayers. However, it is easy to fall into a trap during the Three Weeks of asking for less lofty things than those which we truly desire. We fall into the trap of asking for an end to our suffering rather than asking for opportunities to achieve greatness. In fact, it is difficult for us to ask for anything during this period of suffering because we feel inadequate. Therefore it is more important during the Three Weeks to express our highest desires and aspirations, not as people who are suffering and need salvation, but as people who desire the unlimited greatness possible for those who have awe of God.