What is the purpose of prayer?

Prayer has been the natural response of humans to cope with difficult situations in life, such as poverty, petulance, sickness, death or disaster. Traditionally we pray to a higher power or god for things of necessity and want. Prayer cultivates an attitude of humility and acceptance, and establishes our relationship with the source in the right manner. It creates a feeling akin to that of a baby cradled in its mother’s arms. Prayer should melt the heart. It is not to be offered by rote memorization, without feeling or understanding.

It can take us beyond words, deep into the realm of sacredness. It is natural to share our sorrows during prayer, but let us also share our joys in the same manner. To remain connected with god at all times in a state of humility and surrender is to have entered a state of prayerfulness. This prayerfulness resolves in deep meditation, where we transcend relationships and move toward infinite closeness, and even oneness. Prayer is an inner expression of immense gratitude.