Inspired by one of Tim Layne's past posts, I decided to expand on the Chasidic concept of Hitbodedut.

Reb Nachman of Breslov, a great-grandson of the Baal Shem Tov and founder of Breslover Chasidus, breathed new life into Judaism by combining the mystical elements of Chasidus with in-depth Torah scholarship.

In addition to regular davening from the Siddur, Reb Nachman frequently recited extemporaneous prayers. In fact, he taught his Chasidim (his followers) that they should spend at least one hour alone each day, talking aloud to G-d in his or her own words, as if "talking to a good friend." This practice was to be in addition to the prayers of the Siddur. Breslover Chasidim still follow this practice today, which is known as hitbodedut (literally, "to make oneself be in solitude"). Rebbe Nachman taught that the best place to do hitbodedut was in a field or forest, among the natural works of HaShem's creation. The hours spent in secluded prayer, according to Reb Nachman, were one of the primary ways to build a relationship with G-d.

According to Rabbi Wayne Dosick, quoting Reb Nachman:

'Hitbodedut' - inner-directed, unstructured, active self-expression before G-d - 'is the highest path of all. Take it!' (Dancing with G-d, p.49)

Within our prayer lives, we need communal and personal forms of prayer, the structure of the Siddur, as well as hitbodedut. For they all draw us closer to HaShem. And yet, there is something special about our personal prayer times - alone, secluded, without distraction.

This type of prayer, which Rebbe Nachman referred to as hitbodedut was also practiced and encouraged by our own "rebbe." Yeshua himself would often go off into seclusion to pray. We see this many times throughout the Besorot.

Although Yeshua exemplifies the pattern of formal communal worship within the Temple and synagogues, he also teaches us: