daf bit: B'rachot 29
In a mishna on yesterday's daf, R. Eliezer said that if a man makes his
prayer (the t'filah) a fixed task, it is not a genuine supplication (and thus does
not count). The g'mara on today's daf asks: what is a "fixed task"?
R. Yaakov b. Idi said in the name of R. Oshaiah: anyone whose prayer
is like a heavy burden on him. The rabbis say: anyone who does not say
it in the manner of supplication (as if he were really asking for a favor).
Rabbah and R. Yosef say: one who is not able to insert something fresh into
it (that is, adjusting it to his needs). R. Zera answered them:
I can insert something fresh but I am afraid to do so lest I become
confused. (28b mishna, 29b g'mara)
(There is also a discussion here about timing of prayer that I don't understand yet.)
(There is also a discussion here about timing of prayer that I don't understand yet.)