The great chossid Rabbi Hillel of Paritch was accustomed to traveling to various towns and townlets and inspiring the chassidim there to pray at length.
The words of Rabbi Hillel were effective, and indeed many people began praying for long intervals. He inspired both the learned people as well as the simple folk. Store-keepers and laborers all began turning to their Maker with chassidic fervor; the study house was illuminated with G-dly light.
Once, when Rabbi Hillel returned to one of the towns, a chossid approached him. He complained, that although Rabbi Hillel’s words had caused him to pray at length, he did not see the advantage in doing so. “It was all worthless, as I did not improve my ways.”
Rabbi Hillel answered him: “No! Your prayers definitely had an effect! Now at least, you realize that there is a G-d that you should be ashamed of…[1]”
[1] Sefer HaSichos, 5701 Pg. 46.
