There is, “The flame of the ever-turning sword to guard the way to the Tree of Life.”⁸⁹ When a person wishes to adhere his thoughts to the Supernal Worlds; that is, to HaShem, the Creator, blessed is He, the external forces of evil (Kelipot) prevent him from doing so. Nonetheless, even though you are unable, push yourself with all your strength; many times during a single prayer, if necessary, until you bond to HaShem, the Creator, blessed is His Name. Through this you will enter into the Supernal Worlds. Strengthen your faith that, “The whole earth is full of His Glory,”⁹⁰ with complete faith, as stated,⁹¹ “The righteous-Tzaddik lives by his faith.” (This is as experienced in the Supernal World)

footnotes: ⁸⁹ Genesis 3:24 ⁹⁰ Isaiah 6:3 ⁹¹ Habakkuk 2:4

Similarly, if you fall from your level of adhesion during that prayer, you should first say the words with less intention, according to your capacity, and then strengthen yourself to return to your previous level. If necessary, do this a number of times during a single prayer, at first bonding to the body of the word and then investing the word with soul.

You must first awaken yourself physically with all your strength, in order to illuminate the power of the soul in you, as Zohar states,⁹² “A log that does not catch on fire should be splintered and will then ignite.” After this you will be able to serve HaShem in thought alone, without bodily motion.

footnotes: ⁹² Zohar Vol. 3, 166b; 168a