A few years back, I went to the UK for higher studies. Since it was an international scholarship program, there were students from many countries who practiced a myriad of different religions.
After interacting with them, I realized that our religion and prayer times could be different, but the purpose is the same; to find one’s purpose in life, make sense of the chaos that is life, and find peace.
For Hindus, it requires the chanting of mantras. For Muslims, it is to pray five times daily with face towards Kaaba in Mecca. Catholics repeatedly recite pleadings for the intercession of Mary and other saints. Protestant Christians direct their devotions to Jesus Christ.
Ancient to modern, eastern to western, every religion considers prayer an integral part of worship. The form varies, but the purpose remains to find an understanding of one’s life and to live a good life.
Here, I am going to discuss the ways in which you can pray to develop a practical prayer life that will help you gain a deeper understanding of your life’s purpose.
1. Know With Whom You Are Speaking
Prayer is a conversation with God. Every conversation begins by addressing the person to whom you are speaking. Christians begin with “Our Father in heaven.” Muslims begin with “Ya Allah.”
Whatever your belief, focus on who you are praying to and try to find the truth about that being. When you focus on the attributes of that entity, you will understand HIM better; and hence you will find more comfort in your prayer.
2. Thank Him for Everything
A heartfelt thank you is always a great conversation starter. Like any other father, God loves to see that you have grateful hearts.
As you take time to praise God for all He has done in the past, like the answered prayers, the impossible situations overcome the healings and grace.
Praise opens the gate of heaven and should be part of your alone time with God.
3. Ask for God’s Will
Prayer should not be the only place where you feel obedient and submissive to the will of God over your desires and needs.
In a world where right and wrong are frequently confused, and the future is uncertain, it can be hard to know how to pray or what to ask for when difficult circumstances arise.
Pray with the right intentions and pray to find the knowledge to make the right decisions. After you are done, make the decision that seems best to your heart.
4. Say What You Need
We often hesitate to ask God for the little things we need. Furthermore, when big problems come, we try everything we can to solve the problem before we pray.
The Bible says, “You do not have because you do not ask God.”
To find the purpose of our life, we must first ask God what it is. If we don’t ask, and if we don’t seek, how will we find the path?
5. Ask For Forgiveness
If you want your prayers to be heard, our hearts need to be right with God and with one another. If you feel that your prayers are going unanswered and you are feeling dissatisfied with your life, direct a look inwards.
Are you at odds with God? Have you done something that is weighing on your heart? Introspect and then try to live your life with kindness and gratitude. Make amends with people and adopt a positive attitude.
Once you let go of resentments, forgive and ask forgiveness; only then will your heart open to the joys life offers.
6. Be Patient
Hardship makes it’s hard to be patient. When life throws its curveballs at us, it is easy to succumb to despair and complaint.
This is the time to strengthen your heart with prayer and wait for the bigger plan to unfold. In our haste, we often can’t see the bigger picture, but prayer can help ease our hearts.
Ask for wisdom and understanding in your prayers; ask your God to help you understand what you do not understand.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5)
Prayers to Help You Understand the Purpose of Your Life
Every religion has prayers to help its followers understand the purpose of their life, some of the ones I like most are:
“For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
“My Lord, expand for me my breast [with assurance] and ease for me my task and untie the knot from my tongue that they may understand my speech.” Surah Taha 25-28
He restores my soul.
He guides me in straight paths for His name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I shall fear no evil, for You are with me. Psalm 23
May he bestow prudence on all of us!
May he inspire us towards the righteous cause!
May he guide us to speak the truth!
May he make us conscious about spirituality! Grama Geeta
With my body, speech, and mind, humbly I prostrate,
And make offerings both set out and imagined.
I confess my wrong deeds from all time,
And rejoice in the virtues of all.
Please stay until samsara ceases,
And turn the Wheel of Dharma for us.
I dedicate all virtues to great enlightenment. Prayer of Seven Limbs
Conclusion
The time you understand the process of how to pray for better understanding and purpose of your life will result in:
- Full transformation.
- Sense of direction.
- Heavenly wisdom.
- Confidence.
Furthermore, the method can be different, but the purpose will always stay the same. Religions can be categorized according to what or whom their followers worship.
To understand the purpose of life, make sure to pray in the right way. The methods mentioned above will help you pray in the right way.
That was all from our side. Let us know about your feedback in the comments.
