RAV KOOK ON Va'eira Part 4 Three Prayers, Three Goals

The Sages established three daily prayers: Shacharit in the morning, Minchah in the afternoon, and Arvit (Ma’ariv) in the evening. Why do we need three prayers? “Rabbi Helbo taught: One should always be careful regarding the Minchah prayer, for Elijah was only answered in this prayer. Rabbi Yochanan said: Also with the evening-prayer, as it says, “May my prayer be like an incense-offering before You, as I lift my hands in the evening offering” (Psalms 141:2). Rabbi Nachman bar Yitzchak said: Also with the Shacharit morning-prayer, as it says, “God, hear my voice in the morning. In the morning I will arrange my prayer to You and wait expectantly” (Psalms 5:4).” (Berachot 6b) This Talmudic discussion is peculiar. It starts by stating that the Minchah afternoon-prayer has advantages over the other prayers and requires special attention. Then the rabbis note that the morning and evening prayers are also special. If so, all three prayers are equally important. What does this mean?