Prayer is such a personal affair. Perhaps the most personal of all communication. So speaking of it is tricky. After all, if the condition of prayer is communing with God should we even attempt to discuss such a private thing with others? A good definition is perhaps the best place to start.
"The state of prayer is the best of conditions, for man is then associating with God."
ʻAbdu'l-Bahá
Knowing what we can endure, accept or change is a fundamental part of that critical conversation.
"God, grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change,
the courage to change the things I can,
and the wisdom to know the difference. "
Reinhold Niebuhr
Prayer has always been much more than asking for things. It has always been even more than just words, it is an act that should have real consequences. If we pray without subsequently arising to carry out deeds worthy of that divine connection then of what worth are we or our words?
"This is worship: to serve mankind and to minister to the needs of the people. Service is prayer."
ʻAbdu'l-Bahá
Often prayers are a call of affirmation, or a call for assistance from God and can bring comfort to a soul in trouble and have done so for thousands of years. We cannot use the following words without thinking of all those before us who have whispered such a heartfelt plea at moments when all seemed hopeless.
Even though I walk through the valley
of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil;
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff–they comfort me.
Psalms 23: 1-6
In this prayer David speaks to God in terms that any shepherd would have found familiar. Three thousand years ago a shepherd like David carried a rod and a staff to protect his sheep. The rod was a cudgel: a short, thick, heavy stick worn in his shepherd's belt. The staff was usually a long, lightweight pole with a curved end, a crook, that controlled the sheep and kept them safe within the flock. Both could be used by the shepherd to protect his animals from any predator. This prayer is a reminder that God’s presence, like the shepherd, is always there to protect and guide us in very real and tangible ways. The recital of such powerful prayers influences our spirit in ways akin to a cleansing process. It has been compared to bathing quite beautifully in the following quote.
"Prayer is the inner bath of love into which the soul plunges itself."
St. John Vianney
Those who fill their life with prayer and real service to others recognise that prayer is not a one-sided communication. On the contrary, the most important part of prayer is invariably the silence and listening that follows or even begins communion with God.
"God speaks in the silence of the heart. Listening is the beginning of prayer."
Mother Teresa
There are often too many words in our prayers and a reluctance to really listen. Just as when talking to family and friends it is not the quantity of the conversation that matters but its quality.
"The most acceptable prayer is the one offered with the utmost spirituality and radiance; its prolongation hath not been and is not beloved by God."
The Báb
A reluctance to pray can be from overconfidence in our own abilities. Admitting one needs help is not a sign of weakness. Many outstanding individuals have used prayer when they found the challenges facing them beyond endurance.
"I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had no where else to go. My own wisdom and that of all about me seemed insufficient for that day."
Abraham Lincoln
The prayers of saints can be that potent mixture of communion with God and setting noble goals.
"Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love,
Where there is injury, pardon
Where there is doubt, faith,
Where there is despair, hope,
Where there is darkness, light,
Where there is sadness, joy."
St. Francis of Assisi
Our parents devote much time, energy, and love to us and an expression of gratitude is often the only worthwhile response to that devotion.
"It is seemly that the servant should, after each prayer, supplicate God to bestow mercy and forgiveness upon his parents. Thereupon God’s call will be raised: “Thousand upon thousand of what thou hast asked for thy parents shall be thy recompense!”
The Báb
There can be times when we feel there is no answer to our prayers and God seems very far away. That can mean that the answer is simply no. Regarding the huge distance, we find ourselves from God the question it prompts is, “Who has moved”? Even the act of turning in the right direction, whatever the response or distance, can bring unexpected blessings.
"A generous prayer is never presented in vain; the petition may be refused, but the petitioner is always, I believe, rewarded by some gracious visitation."
Robert Louis Stevenson
Indeed, sometimes we focus so entirely on the dialogue that we forget the spirit behind such communion is more important than the words.
"It is better in prayer to have a heart without words than words without heart."
Mahatma Gandhi
The saying “Trust in God, but tie your camel” is a useful practical suggestion. Our actions and spiritual growth can require different motivations.
"Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you."
St. Augustine
Sometimes we just need the simplest and shortest of prayers and this is one that works for me.
"Is there any Remover of difficulties save God? Say: Praised be God! He is God! All are His servants, and all abide by His bidding!"
The Báb
