While a person’s prosperity is decided on an annual basis (hence, we ask Hashem to bless the year), we pray for prosperity on a daily basis. Our allotment can be withheld due to sins on our part. Hashem reviews our behavior during the course of the year. For instance, if on Rosh Hashanah it had been decided that we should be blessed with good fortune, and, during the course of the year, we prove ourselves unworthy of such a fortuitous blessing – it might be reversed. Hashem grants us funds for a purpose. Obviously, our family takes precedence, but, prior to living luxuriously and sustaining ourselves to the point of gluttony, we should think of others who are in need – who would suffice with just the simple things in life. Furthermore, the Baal Shem Tov teaches that, on a daily basis, Hashem decides the amount of pleasure and satisfaction each of us will derive from our present possessions. This is certainly a reason to pray. Just because we have, does not mean that we will keep it, and, even if we keep it, if we do not pray, we might not enjoy it. All too often we take things for granted. We must not fail to acknowledge that everything that we have is a gift – a special gift – for a special purpose.
