Once, the Chassidic mentor, Rabbi Shmuel-Gronem Estherman, repeated the following conversation that took place between the fourth Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Shmuel Schneersohn, and a chossid of Polish orientation:
“Why is it that Chabad chassidim pray at length?” asked the Polish chossid. “Wouldn’t it be better that they pray quickly, so that they not be bothered by extraneous thoughts?”
He continued to attempt to prove his approach with the following allegory:
“Imagine a man was travelling in a wagon and people were standing on the road throwing stones in his direction. Would it not be better that he urge the horses to go quicker to get out of their reach?”
“True,” answered the Rebbe, “but this is only the case if those throwing the stones are outside the wagon. However, if they have already jumped on board, what use is it to rush the wagon? It is better that he stop the wagon and throw the intruders off, and then continue his journey peacefully.”
When we battle with extraneous thoughts during prayer, it is an internal battle with our animal soul which resides within us. Therefore, it is important that we pray slowly and contemplate Chassidus to combat our inner beast.
(Sippurim Chassidim, Vol 1 Pg. 146)
