Does Prayer Really Work? - How Do we Start?

[Guest guest]

Does Prayer Really Work? - How Do we Start?

When we begin our new spiritual life, our desires are like a runaway train. It is impossible to stop them immediately. We can only redirect them along channels which reduce the risk to ourselves and others. If we switch the train to an uphill track, it will gradually lose its momentum and we can regain control. Prayer is the uphill track for our runaway desires. Until we direct our aspirations along proper lines, it is best to steer them to God. The Lord knows what is best for us; He will help us to direct our efforts along with right lines. From the very outset it is necessary for us to practice the habit of regular prayer. A regular time and place for prayer helps us to quickly concentrate and reach a state of calm. Regular prayer makes us aware of God's omnipresence and attracts His grace.. God knows what we seek, but it is up to us to ask. In asking we make a conscious choice of what path we wish to follow. We ask for specific results and thereby accept the consequences of those results. We must ask for what we want, but our actions should not contradict our words. If we pray for greater love, we cannot continue to harbor hate. If we long for humility, we cannot continue to strut about in pride. When we pray we must also do our part to fulfill the request. We cannot receive grace before we have made our own best effort to secure our objective. Our thoughts, words, and deeds must all support our prayer. No one can instruct another when or how that person should pray. All of us have different needs and attitudes. What is appropriate at one time may not be at another time. The values and languages of different cultures also vary. It is not possible for us to evaluate the worth of another person's prayer, for all speak to God in their own ways. It is not the words we use or the form of God we address that gives prayer its power; it is the devotion in our hearts. "The stamp of bhakti (devotion) is what makes the prayer reach the destination, God; not the festoons, the fanfare, the heap of flowers, or the festive nature of the feast offerings. The simple, sincere heart is the stamp that makes the prayer travel fast" Baba Prayers are not always answered immediately. Many of us wish for one thing today and for another thing tomorrow. We must show that our prayer is a heartfelt need. It must be sincere and pure to reach the Lord. Continued....Does Prayer Really work? - What should We Pray for?