Rambam - Sefer HaMitzvos: Positive Mitzvah 5: Positive Mitzvah 5

This is not an error of duplication. The full-fledged version of this Mitzvah are many and change for those who are learning the one/three chapter a day. The Message for the day from "Bringing Heaven Down to Earth" at the end of this Mitzvah is different than that of yesterday.

Positive Mitzvah 5: Worshiping G-d - "Prayer"
Exodus 23:25 "And you shall serve the L-rd, your G-d"

Imagine a magnificent palace with servants always ready to serve the king. Some stand by his throne, others bring him food, and, still others, tailor his velvet robes.

This service is fit for a king.

HaShem is the King of all kings! He does not ask us to perform these types of service, but rather instructs us to serve Him through Prayer Tefillah.

As subjects of our King, we express our dedication and loyalty by offering our praise and making our requests through prayer.

At one time there were tzaddikim who would look into the soul of a disciple, see the place where the G-dly sparks were awaiting this soul and tell the disciple to go to that place to liberate those sparks. All that has changed is the perception of the disciples. If you are where you are with the blessing of the Rebbe, you are where you belong. And you are there with a profound purpose.

From: Bringing Heaven Down to Earth by Tzvi Freeman - tzvif@aol.com