The Power of Prayer around the World - Introduction

The Power of Prayer around the World


Introduction

Prayer is the universal expression of communication with God, recognized by many cultures for time immeasurable. Whether part of a formal service recited with a congregation of worshipers or an individual, quiet moment, prayer is part of the lives of people from a variety of religions. There seems to be an innate urge among humanity to connect with a higher source of energy and love when we need guidance or direction, and this is called prayer.


Prayer usually involves a petition for some action or favorable outcome of events. It can be thought of as a way to ask for special favors and specific goals, but this type of prayer may or may not be effective.


Prayer also can be a feeling of communion—a shift from selfish preoccupation to love of higher motives and principles. This type of prayer exists when all selfish desire is put aside and we feel ourselves in conjunction with God. At this point, our greatest wish is that God’s will be done. There may be pressing concerns that make us turn our sights upward or inward, but we can learn to let go of the end result. Thus, prayer becomes a way of opening up to the universal, loving, creative energy that exists and is far greater than any person could imagine. This is the source of miracles, of faith, and of unconditional love.


Prayer then becomes more than a means to an end; it becomes a state of humility and of awe. It can exist whether we are washing the floor or composing a symphony. It can be an individual experience, a group action, a meditation, an affirmation, or simply a cry for help. Prayer is communion with the Divine, and therefore it can take place throughout the day in the form of a conversation with God. Prayer can be our way of sharing our hopes and wishes, dreams and desires, as well as our fears and needs.


Many people wonder if this process is successful and, if so, what are the principles for greatest effectiveness? There seems to be a universal awareness that in our times of greatest need or greatest joy we call out for help or give thanks. But who are we calling out to? And are we heard?


Emanuel Swedenborg wrote that God already knows what we need, but we must go through the step of asking for it. God hears all prayers and looks only to the heart of the person praying to know the sincerity or appropriateness of the plea. If we want our prayers to be answered, we need to look within ourselves to sense the purity of our heart’s request.


We can then pray for peace of mind to accept the outcome of our prayer, knowing the end result is not of our doing.


The words we use, the attitude we bring, and the object of our prayers may all play a part in the effectiveness of our worship. As we begin to understand the purpose of prayer, we can see that prayer has within it deep spiritual guidance that will make us wiser and more loving people. Turning to prayer will not only make us better people, but will make the world a better place in which to live.