Why people pray

By D. Juggoo

Prayer is an invocation or act that seeks to activate a rapport with an object of worship through deliberate communication. Prayer is a communication to God… Prayers are central to the practice of humanity.

Prayer. Photo – images.squarespace-cdn.com

It can be said that 80% of human beings on the earth pray to God. In almost all religions, prayers occupy an important role and place. In fact, prayers can take four forms such as:

– Prayer of Adoration/Blessing,
– Prayer of Contrition/Repentance,
– Prayer of Thanksgiving/Gratitude, and
– Prayer of Supplication/Petition/Intercession.

Prayer is done by those who trust the power of word, thought and God. Prayer can be spoken, silent (no talking), or in a song. It can be used to praise God or to ask for something including help and forgiveness.

God, through prayer, opens eyes, changes hearts, heals wounds, and grants wisdom. The power of prayer should never be underestimated because it draws on the glory and might of the infinitely powerful God of the universe.

People turn to prayer because it is the most personal way to experience God, to encounter Him and to grow in knowledge of Him

In Hinduism, the Gayatri mantra is the most representative prayer. Hindus recite it on a daily basis, not only contemplating its straightforward meaning, but also dwelling on and imbibing its sound, regarded to be pregnant with spiritual meaning.

Be it in church, mosque, temple or any other place, prayer is useful to gather people together, unite people, share happiness. Prayer is used to preach tolerance, practise forgiveness, to bring peace and happiness.

Prayers are powerful. Whatever your religion is, a simple prayer can change the way you view things. It can give you the strength you need to overcome life’s challenges and adversity.

As a good person and honest individual, I think my daily Morning Prayer (mantras) should be as follows:

Oh God! I thank you for having wakened me this morning and keeping me alive.
Dear God, please give me strength when I am weak, love when I feel forsaken, courage when I am afraid, wisdom when I feel foolish, comfort when I am alone, hope when I feel rejected, and peace when I am in turmoil.

Dear God, please today I ask your forgiveness for all the negative and harmful words/thoughts I have spoken/thought about any person knowingly or unknowingly. I am but a simple person. At times, I make mistakes and hurt others without realising same. I may abuse myself in many ways and abuse others as well.

Dear God, please help to transform myself, my thoughts, my attitude and behaviour. Make me a better person. Give me the courage to understand other pains, others worries and sacrifice. Make my tongue the best communication tool so that whenever I utter a word it should be courteous, polite and heart touching.

Dear God, I have to thank you for looking beyond my faults and for loving me unconditionally. Give me eyes to see the needs of the difficult people in my life, and show me how to meet those needs in a way that pleases.

Dear God, please make me a better person for myself and the world.

Dear God, thank you for the gift of family and friends. Holding them in my heart is one of the most precious things I can never get tired of. Bless everyone, for they deserve all goodness You have given to me.

* Published in print edition on 26 March 2021