RAV KOOK ON Parshat Vayera

Translated and abridged by Rabbi Chanan Morrison Parshat Vayera "Abraham rose early in the morning, to the place where he had [previously] stood before God." (Gen. 19:27) What does it mean that Abraham "stood before God"? The Talmud interpreted this phrase to refer to prayer. (The central prayer is called the Amidah, meaning 'standing', since it is recited while standing.) A Set Place for Prayer From the fact that Abraham returned to the place where he had prayed in the past, the Sages deduced that Abraham had designated a particular spot for prayer. "Rabbi Helbo said: Anyone who has a set location for his prayers will be assisted by the God of Abraham. And when he dies, they will say about him, 'What a pious individual! What a humble person! He was a disciple of our forefather Abraham.'" (Berachot6b) In what way is a person who sets aside a place for prayer a humble individual? What makes him a disciple of Abraham? Why is it so praiseworthy to always pray in the same location?