She doesn’t understand why they want to stay with her, because she doesn’t feel that she has anything to offer them. She can’t see in herself the tremendous strength of character it must take to even start this journey of repair that she has committed herself to.

Their dialogue is an expression of their commitment to relationship. When Naomi pushes them away Orpah takes it as a sign to leave. But Ruth is silent. Then when Naomi again tells her to go with Orpah, she says “Al tifgeyi bi” this is one of the forms of tefilla. Ruth perceives at a different level than Orpah.

Orpah sees Naomi push her away and takes it at face value.

Ruth does not become intimidated by Naomi’s pushing her away, because she knows what she wants.

What I understand from this in my own relationship with Hashem, is that when you don’t get something you are asking for, it doesn’t mean you should give up. It may mean that God is actually withholding in order to draw more out of you. It may mean He wants you to ask differently.  I also see this as connected to borei nefashot vechesronan, as well, because we have to understand that the lack has purpose, God doesn't withold from us purposelessly.

Practical tools:

If you don’t get what you want remember Ruth

1. 1. Don’t be intimidated, and retreat

2. 2. Be clear about what you want

3. 3. You may need to ask differently, try a different form of tefilla