I don't know how to pray or what to pray for

[Jainarayan]

Sounds odd, doesn't it?

Oh sure, I recite mantras and slokas because I think the devas are deserving of praise and reverence. But when people say they pray, I have no idea what that really means. When I've escaped what could be certain disaster (I am such a drama queen! ), I say "thank you". I thank Sri Ganesha when something happens on the road. When something financial is resolved, I owe it to Maa Lakshmi. When I get the strength or courage to do something, I thank Sri Hanuman. The closest I can come to asking for anything is something like a quick "please give me the strength to get through [whatever it is]", or "please guide me through this [whatever it is]", or "please help me to see clearly to [whatever it is]". As wordy as I can get when writing here, if I attempt to do that praying, it turns into inane babble (and this isn't!? :areyoucra).

Paramahansa Yogananda wrote that we should pray to God(dess) and veritably demand what we want from God(dess) just as a child demands attention or something from its parent. But I don't hold with that. I take the view that God(dess) knows what we need or want before we ask for it. I don't think that's expecting God(dess) to fulfill our needs, but trust that s/he will give us what we need, and to be grateful for it. It's only for us to thank God(dess) for the blessings. Is my view skewed, or do others feel this way?

 

[Vinayaka]

In my sampradaya, God hears the prayers and then sends off Devas to work on them for you. The more specific, the better. Dates, times, precisely what you need.

Sure, the general prayers are there too, but if its specific you want, then specific you pray.

 

[Jainarayan]

In my sampradaya, God hears the prayers and then sends off Devas to work on them for you. The more specific, the better. Dates, times, precisely what you need.

Sure, the general prayers are there too, but if its specific you want, then specific you pray.

See, that's the thing... I know there are material things I need: my truck needs a new instrument cluster (it's really annoying to keep using the GPS as a speedometer, and the trip odometer as a fuel gauge); I need work done on my house. But I am reluctant to ask for them. I know we also need our physical and emotional health to improve; that's where the "please help me get through this/guide me... " requests come in. Maybe it was my upbringing as a "spoiled brat" (as my sisters like to still call me, at 56 years old ), so I have learned to suppress asking for things.

 

[Vinayaka]

See, that's the thing... I know there are material things I need: my truck needs a new instrument cluster (it's really annoying to keep using the GPS as a speedometer, and the trip odometer as a fuel gauge); I need work done on my house. But I am reluctant to ask for them. I know we also need our physical and emotional health to improve; that's where the "please help me get through this/guide me... " requests come in. Maybe it was my upbringing as a "spoiled brat" (as my sisters like to still call me, at 56 years old ), so I have learned to suppress asking for things.

That's the thing. I don't think God can give us things we want, just things we need ... to better our (I mean identifying with the soul nature here) evolution on the planet.

GPS? I borrowed my son's to go to Vancouver ... first time experience for this old man. It did save a little time, but I still probably won't buy one, when I can borrow his any time. Strange cities, yeah, but that's not here. I drove courier for a year or so, so this city is too easy.

 

[Jainarayan]

Well, this makes a lot of sense. I simply did a Google search on "how do I pray?" It comes from Billy Graham How do I pray properly? | Answers | BGEA but I think it's relevant to any religion. There are a few other hits I'm going to read.

 

[Jainarayan]

That's the thing. I don't think God can give us things we want, just things we need ... to better our (I mean identifying with the soul nature here) evolution on the planet.

Exactly. Things we want to better ourselves is different. I think asking for material things we want, not need, is tacky and greedy.

 

[Vinayaka]

Exactly. Things we want to better ourselves is different. I think asking for material things we want, not need, is tacky and greedy.

Yeah, I never do that. Safety, ease of karma, less pain for my daughter (expecting any day now, yay.)

 

[Andal]

Vannakkam,

I look at prayer as an on going conversation. God knows what is in our hearts, after all he present there. I view prayer as a time to just talk and listen. Sure I use mantras to connect and if I am looking for a specific result. Ultimately though I'm on the path of bhakti and how could I not talk to God. It would be like not talking to your best friend or spouse. If I'm gone too long I miss him

I don't see anything wrong with taking our needs and our desires to God. Does that mean all desires are met, of course not. I find that it does mean that the needs are met though.

Prayer is honesty straight from your heart to God's heart and back again.

Aum Hari Aum!

 

[Jainarayan]

Yeah, I never do that. Safety, ease of karma, less pain for my daughter (expecting any day now, yay.)

Congratulations!

 

[Jainarayan]

You're right Andal. I may very well be overthinking (who me?). Maybe the conversations I have in my head, working out a problem or getting a peaceful feeling is prayer without me realizing it.

 

[Andal]

Yeah, I never do that. Safety, ease of karma, less pain for my daughter (expecting any day now, yay.)

Congrats Vinayaka! Many blessings to you and your family

Aum Hari Aum!

 

[Nyingjé Tso]

Outside of slokas and all, I don't really pray for anything... I never ask anything, unless it is a very grave situation where my efforts can't do much (desperate situation for finding a job, my grandpa cancer...) Usually, when I have those very important things to ask, I promise to take extra efforts in sadhana or to undertake austerity for a time... It's very personal, even in life I hate asking something to someone, I feel that I absolutely have to prove worthy of it or to return the favor.. which is kind of stupid, what can I do for a Deva ? Not much !

You know, if you donnt know what to say in your prayer... Then try to say nothing. Fold your hands, put your head down, and offer the perfect silence of a peaceful mind. You will be showing God how peaceful and steady you are thanks to Him, it is a beautiful showing of love and gratitude !

I hope everything goes well to you _/\_

 

[Vinayaka]

Good advice, Jaya. There are many times I go to the temple with no prayer in mind. Just sit, feel the darshan, let it sink in, and come out a happier calmer being.

 

[Jainarayan]

You know, if you donnt know what to say in your prayer... Then try to say nothing. Fold your hands, put your head down, and offer the perfect silence of a peaceful mind. You will be showing God how peaceful and steady you are thanks to Him, it is a beautiful showing of love and gratitude !

I hope everything goes well to you _/\_

Thanks. You know, that's good advice. Sometimes I just stand in front of the altar and look at the deities and listen. People complain that God doesn't answer their prayers... well maybe they don't shut up long enough for Him get a word in edgewise!

 

[Fireside_Hindu]

Sometimes when I'm really stuck for what to say (because we grow up thinking we have to go into a prayer with a purpose) I find it helps a lot to treat the conversation in a casual manner. I know it sounds silly, but actually I feel like I get a better connection sometimes when I don't feel like there this artificial formality I have to appeal to.

So it could go something like this, " So, Devi - Here's the thing. I really screwed up today and I know I keep doing it and then I come limping back here. The thing is, i need help. I don't know what to ask for, or what to do."

Sometimes I even get a little confrontational if I'm feeling frustrated, "Look, I'm holding up my end of the bargain so where are you?"

I know this sounds a bit aggressive but I feel like there's no sense in attempting to hide your true thoughts -they're known to god anyway, might as well respect her enough to let it all out.

Eventually, once you're in the middle of this conversation, it tends to naturally calm down, thoughts cease and you just sit in the quiet presence of god for a while.

:camp:

 

[Jainarayan]

Lol. I like that.

Seriously, for those of us raised in traditions where the deities are remote, and which have a strong duality it takes some time to get over that. That's one reason I like the purana stories, the deities are so "us" and down to earth.

 

[Vinayaka]

He's right there ... in the Lotus of the Heart.

 

[Maya3]

Wow Vinayaka! Congrats, please keep us posted.


I pray very rarely, but it happens. I did yesterday for example in temple and today after my meditation.

Maya

 

[Kalidas]

Lol. I like that.

Seriously, for those of us raised in traditions where the deities are remote, and which have a strong duality it takes some time to get over that. That's one reason I like the purana stories, the deities are so "us" and down to earth.

It sure is hard. My best friend (who is a staunch Christian) basicly said something along the lines of "I don't think God should ever be equated to man, and if he is then it is no God". At first it bothered me like "hhmmm maybe he's right?" Then I realised how sad and lonely that must be. Feeling that God is so alien and far away from you, like were just some low peasants hoping we don't get squished by some giant monster.

I don't believe the Gods are actually "similar to us." I think they make themselves appear this way for our benefit. To be honest I appreciate it.

Recently someone asked me why I left the Christian faith, and I feel I finally have the true answer, the source of it all.

"I didn't want to be afraid of God anymore."

 

[atanu]

demand[/I] what we want from God(dess) just as a child demands attention or something from its parent. But I don't hold with that. I take the view that God(dess) knows what we need or want before we ask for it. I don't think that's expecting God(dess) to fulfill our needs, but trust that s/he will give us what we need, and to be grateful for it. It's only for us to thank God(dess) for the blessings. Is my view skewed, or do others feel this way?

This brings out from memory something I had read long back and for which I do not remember the source too. In some scripture, Sri Lakshmi says (approximately) "I am with them who pray to me for favors".

Opposed to the above, I also remember many stories from Puranas where granted boons are always accompanied with some difficult conditions.

So, I think, prayer should be general and from Veda, like say Gayatri, unless a specific mantra is bestowed by a human guru.

Reviewing the commandment of Lakshmi, I now think that a mere remembrance is all that the Deities require.