EYES DOWNWARD AND HEART UPWARD

Yevamos 105b: Rabbi Chiya and Rabbi Shimon bar Rebbe were sitting together. One of them began the discussion with the following statement: One who prays should direct his eyes downward (towards Eretz Yisroel) as it is written [Melachim I, 9:3]: And My eyes and My heart shall be there all the days. (This verse indicates that the Shechinah is always in Eretz Yisroel even after the destruction of the Beis Hamikdosh.) The other one said: One who prays should direct his eyes upward (towards Heaven) as it is written [Eichah 3:41]: Let us lift our hearts with our hands to God in Heaven. Meanwhile, Rabbi Yishmael the son of Rabbi Yosi came before them and asked them: What subject are you in the midst of discussing? They responded: We are discussing prayer. Rabbi Yishmael the son of Rabbi Yosi said to them: My father, Rabbi Yosi said: One who prays should direct his eyes downward and his heart upward, in order to fulfill the two verses.

The Shalah Hakodosh asks: There are seemingly two verses in Tehillim that contradict one another. One verse states that we should serve Hashem with fear. Another verse states that we should serve Hashem with happiness. How can this be reconciled?

He explains based upon our Gemora. One who prays should direct his eyes downward and his heart upward. “His eyes” is referring to the lowliness of man. A person is required to come to the realization during prayer that he is standing before the King of all kings. He should recount his transgressions, and thus be filled with fear and trepidation. This is what Dovid Hamelech meant when he said: Serve Hashem with fear. Afterwards, a person should pay attention and recognize in the Greatness of the Creator and in His ability, and that He is the cause for all matter. This would lead a person to serve Hashem with joy.

A person’s eyes should be directed downward during prayer, symbolizing fear, and his heart shout be directed upward, symbolizing happiness.