Through spiritual procedures we contact a tremendous source of strength, more than by working or by just thinking,
writes MEERA S. SASHITAL.
As we know prayer is a solemn request to God or object of worship. It can be an entreaty to a person too. But when in difficulties we usually turn to God and ask for His help. We pray to Him to guide us and solve our problems. If not instantly but may be slowly our confused mind becomes clear and gets the strength to think and steer out of our problems.
The world’s foremost scientist Alexix Carrel said: “The most powerful form of energy one can generate is prayer. Prayer, like radium is a luminous and self-generating form of energy.” This great scientist further states that the most powerful form of energy one can generate is not mechanical, electronic or even atomic energy, but prayer energy.
We are told there are, generally speaking, three ways in which men get what they want and need: by work, by thought and by prayer. The first two are used daily whereas the third is used only in our need. May be because the first two are obvious factors of our everyday experience very common daily things whereas prayer is associated with special postures or even simple rituals. Without prayer we are compelled to bear the entire weight and burden of life. Through spiritual procedures we contact a tremendous source of strength, more than by working or by just thinking. To reiterate, the most powerful form of energy one can generate is prayer energy.
We are advised that to be efficient in prayer we must learn the art of praying. Even some efficiency and skills are required in the operation of all power. In mastering the art of prayer it is only necessary to follow certain simple principles. One does not have to attend any college or technical school to become an expert in this field. The main thing in learning to pray is just to pray.
Though we may read various books on prayer or even have discussions on prayer, the only way to learn to pray is to pray. According to Mahatma Gandhi “The meaning of prayer is that I want to evoke that Divinity within me.” He further says: “Prayer is not asking. It is longing of the soul. It is a daily admission of one’s weakness. It is better to have a heart without words than words without a heart.”
True prayer is a way of life. Prayers must be said continuously. Again to quote Alexis Carrel: “When we pray we link ourselves with the exhaustible motive power that binds the universe.” We can pray anywhere; in the street, in the solitude of our room or place of worship. It is not compelling that we must visit a temple, mosque or a church to pray. Our spare moments can be used in saying our prayers.
For example while travelling to our workplace even if we get those fifteen minutes we can spend those precious moments by praying instead of chatting. Even at home when relaxing after completing one’s housework or chores one can easily say in one’s mind Slokas, Hymns or Psalms or read them if possible. It will without doubt give us strength, serenity and confidence.
One of the primary laws of prayer is simplicity as told earlier. It should be simple and natural. It is not necessary to use the same phrases or stereotyped phrases or words. We must talk to God as though to a friend; it should be quite natural. Tell Him all your problems, anything that is on your mind freely. Let it be in your own language without any formal words. God is a patient listener and will surely try to help you. As Gandhiji said: “God is not a power residing in the clouds. God is an unseen power residing within us and nearer to us than fingernails to the flesh.” Just plead to God.
Putting aside all our worries we must try to fix our mind on God. Even while doing your work dedicate whatever you do to God. Think that God is with you and helping you. This will remind us of His presence and nearness. We need not beseech God for His blessings but just assume that He is near us to protect and showering His blessings on us. There have been many saints who doing their duty slogging the whole day have not failed to remember God and have attained Godhood. We have an excellent example from Pierre Curie’s, life (husband of Marie Curie). Once when he was stooping over a microscope in the laboratory a student entered but thinking the scientist was praying was about to leave the room when the scientist called him.
The student tried to explain his retreat by saying he had thought the scientist was praying. “I was son,” said Curie with his usual simplicity and again turned to the microscope. He then added: “All science, research and study is prayer; a prayer that God will reveal His eternal secrets to us. For God does have secrets which He reveals only when man searches reverently for them. He is continually revealing Himself, His plans, and His truths to those who will search for them.”
Music has been a means of prayer to reach God. We have a number of saints who are famous for their devotional songs and singing like Meerabai, Tukaram, Narsi Mehta and others. Prayers are also said by telling the beads. Buddhists Tibetians have the rotating wheel on which prayer is inscribed with which they can express their prayers. In case one has no time to sit and tell the beads, it can be just done verbally too.
As Paramahansa Yogananda states “To know exactly how and when to pray according to the nature of our needs, is what brings the desired results. When the right method is applied, it sets in motion the proper laws of God; the operation of these laws scientifically bears results.” At times, our prayers are not answered immediately. Do not withdraw your faith in God. Presume just like Doctors have patients waiting or one has to stand at any counter, God too is slightly busy attending to prayers of others but He is sure to answer your prayers and never let you down.
As Yogananda says: “In the past you may have been disappointed that your prayers were not answered. But do not lose faith. God is not a mute unfeeling Being. He is love itself. If you know how to meditate to make contact with Him, He will respond to your loving demands.” Again it has been aptly said that “Seven days without prayer makes one WEAK.”
