Efficacy Of Prayer (contd...)

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Efficacy Of Prayer (contd...)

 

Real prayer is the complete offering of one's body, heart, mind and soul to

God. Here recitation with lips when the heart, and the soul are not

attuned is not prayer, but an empty pretension prayer offered thus in

unison purifies the person, it removes all evils in us such as lust, anger,

greed, etc., and establishes mutual toleration and goodwill. There

are moments when we are assailed by doubts, disappointments and

darkness. We must cultivate unlimited patience and courage to

withstand such moments of depression. A man of prayer knows no retreat

or defeat.

Prayer is request to God in a humble and reverent attitude. It is the

yearning of the heart to be one with its maker. It is the mental attitude

that is important and not the words uttered. The various exercises are

intended to humble us to enable us to realise that nothing happens without

His will, and we are but clay in the hands of the Divine potter. Duration

of the prayer varies from man to man according to the stage of his spiritual

development. Prayer should certainly be in one's own language. Silent

prayer is often more effective than loud recitation. The prayer of a pure

heart never goes unanswered.

It is a good plan to begin the day with prayer so that Divine grace may

guide us throughout the day. Similarly the day should be closed with prayer

so that we can have a peaceful night free from ugly dreams and nightmares.

Too much of rational explanation is the bane of modern civilisation. We must

begin with childlike simplicity and have implicit faith in God.

If I exist, God exists. Once we have faith in the existence of God, then

arises the necessity of prayer. There are only two aids to those who are

faltering in their steps in the path of God realisation. One is constant

endeavour and the other is prayer.

To one with a prayerful attitude there is no idleness. When we are not

actively engaged in work you can seek union with the divine in prayer. It

purifies and strengthens us. Heartfelt prayer steadies one's nerves, humbles

one and clearly shows one the next step. Such is the efficacy of prayer.

 

(Adopted from the Book Pearls of Wisdom by His Holiness Swami

Kesavaiahji)times.