Quotes from Hayim H. Donin

If God was able to create [from nothing] that which had never existed, He can certainly recreate that which had already existed.

Since prayer requires the capacity to be in awe and to feel thankful, the immodest and arrogant personality simply cannot pray because he has no sense of awe or gratitude. He puts too much faith in his own ability to do wonders and ascribes all achievements to his own powers. He lacks the necessary measure of humility.

Whether we petition God to give us what we need, or thank Him for whatever good was granted, or extol Him for His awesome attributes, all prayer is intended to help make us into better human beings.

Jews may have known much suffering, known too the empty feeling of being a people isolated in the world, but a Jew who regularly worshiped with a congregation was never alone.