PARSHAS VAYEIRA
Rav Tzodok HaKohen explains that it might appear to us that the tefillos of Avroham Avinu on behalf of the cities of Sedom and Amora were not answered. However Chaza”l say that no tefilla goes unanswered. Avrohom’s tefillos created the sparks from which Moshiach would one day come to the world and bring a true geula for all mankind. And, in fact, Lot, who was the forebear of Rus and eventually Moshiach ben Dovid, was rescued from the destruction of Sedom! But there is no such thing as a wasted tefilla. Every time we daven it affects and changes things. We might not see the result immediately, but we have to know that our tefillos are effective.
I once read (can’t remember where) about a man who gave a speech about the power of tefilla. It was about a month after R’ Shlomo Zalman Auerbach passed away and Klal Yisroel still felt its loss. “There are those of you who davened for R’ Auerbach’s recovery for many weeks. And some may think that perhaps it was a waste of time and nothing ever came of those tefillos. Afterall, he died. But for those of you who know me, know that I have been sick for many months and not until recently was I released from my regular hospital visits, and daily medications. Now I have a clean bill of health. How? Because my name is Shlomo Zalman ben Tzivia. The exact same name as R’Auerbach zt”l’s name. Now, it’s only a theory, and I cannot be conclusive, but PERHAPS many of your tefillos took an alternate route and ended up landing in MY lap, and saved Me.”
All tefillos are heard. All tefillos have results.