Tehillim Tools: Psalm 78:72: Natural Inclinations

“And he shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart, and by the skillfulness of his hands he led them.” This verse resonates with the teaching of the Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 35:1) that King David used to say that his feet naturally brought him to the synagogue and to the house of study; meaning, that his feet were so trained to naturally do the will of God, that they brought him only to good places. This then is the meaning of the end of the verse, “By the skillfulness of his hands he led them,” we are praying that our hands too, truly lead us to do only good. (Shem Mishmuel, Vayechi)

I use this verse this to prepare especially when about to perform a mitzvah with my hands such as wrapping Tefillin, shaking the Lulav, or even putting money into a charity box. I use this verse to pray that my whole being should be invested in the action I am about to perform, and that the action nurture the natural inclination of my hands to always and only do good.