There are forces of judgment that sleep on Shabbat.
G-d arranged matters so that there would be no judgments on Shabbat: all impure spirits enter a particular place, where they influence Malchut. If, in this state of special Shemirah, we begin asking for protection, this will awaken the judgments that are hidden for the duration of Shabbat. This must not be done.
The brachah "shomer et amo" - (Who guards the people of Israel)—is established for the weekdays, when the world needs the Creator's special protection. On Shabbat, however, the power of Sukkah of Peace—the holiness of Shabbat's unity, "Shin, Bat"—is established in the world.
The Creator's protecting Eye is present everywhere, and even the inhabitants of Gehinnom rest on this day. All is prosperous—the higher and lower worlds alike. The holiness of this day changes the blessing "shomer amo Yisrael" to another: "ha-pores Sukkah of Peace".
(Zohar on Pinchas, Sulam, Rabbi Tzvi Nissanzon)
PS. In synagogues on Shabbat, a special Mi Shebeirach prayer is recited for people who are in particular need of prayer.
Why We Do Not Ask for Help on Shabbat
Why We Do Not Ask for Help on Shabbat
On Shabbat, Supreme Shemirah is established over the entire world. The world is guarded by G-d Himself, and therefore there is no need to pray additionally for protection.
When a person prays to be protected, his prayer includes the names of the judgments and dangers from which he wishes to be saved. On Shabbat, however, we do not utter such names—those that imply judgment—in order not to draw them down.
Therefore, in the evening prayer on Shabbat, we do not say: "Ve-hu rachum yechaper avon", nor do we recite the brachah—"Who always guards the Jewish people", because naturally G-d protects His people by removing the judgments on Shabbat. There is no need to ask for this.
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Tags: Shabbat, The Power of Shabbat, 2 Blessings for Shabbat and Weekdays, Higher Shemirah, Who Protects the People of Israel on Shabbat, Why Don’t We Ask for Help on Shabbat, Mi Sheberach, Asking on Shabbat Awakens Judgment
