Sat Nam Dear Family,
Let’s start from the beginning. The most powerful tool a human has is the power of prayer. Prayer is, hopefully, direct communication with God. There’s a protocol, an etiquette, to follow in capturing God’s undivided attention. God hears the prayers of all but has His criteria for acting.
The highest protocol for prayer is in praise of God. God loves these prayers. They demonstrate the devotion and understanding of the student in association with God’s Will. This is what God truly wants from His created beings. Prayers which include praise and a blessing to serve Him more garner His total absorption. We’ll discuss this more later.
Another prayer which God loves is prayer for another. Praying for another’s well being displays compassion, selflessness, and service. This too, is God’s Will in action. God pays close attention to prayers for others.
Prayers for a partner or a new car, are useless unless good karma has built up enough merit points to qualify you for consideration. This is a hit or miss proposition, no guarantees. Karma is the deciding factor, not God’s interest. He’s more interested in dealing out karma than avoiding it, although, on rare occasions, God may grant your prayers on credit. Since He’s both the debtor and creditor, there’s no avoiding payment. So, watch out here. It may cost more than you’re willing to pay.
As I stated initially above, the highest prayer is in praise and service to God. And, that’s true. There is, however, a magical way of doing this which transcends the students ability and can be a great help in this prayer process.
It is a prayer which comes from the 16th century and was the noble gift of Guru Amar Das, the third Sikh Guru, and was manifested by his son-in-law, Guru Ram Das, the fourth Sikh Guru. This prayer verifies that all your prayers are ‘true indeed’ and taken directly to God. When your prayers are introduced by Guru Amar Das and Guru Ram Das, God not only listens, He acts. This affirms that the student’s miracle is complete.
Chant with love, “Ardaas Bhaee, Amar Das Guru, Amar Das Guru, Ardas Bhaee, Ram Das Guru, Ram Das Guru, Ram Das Guru, Sachee Sahee.” This mantra prayer has the power to fulfill all desires and prayers. It covers ALL. No specifics are necessary as they just get in the way of praising God. God made you, He knows you, He is you!
Add to all of this a dignified posture, sitting up straight and focusing on your heart. Focus deep within the heart where there’s a cave. It’s in this cave that the soul resides. This is God’s residence within everyone. By focusing on this cave, the aspirant begins his prayer as close to God as it’s physically and mentally possible, Use any visualization of God that you choose. First praise Him, letting Him know how much gratitude you have for His audience, His darshan. Set your mind on neutral. Focus on nothing. At this point, let God just feel your deep gratitude. Do not begin any prayer until you’ve experienced this neutral state of gratitude. It may be just for a second, but you’ll know it when you experience it...it resounds with the music of ecstasy. It’s the ecstasy of His grace. It’s the experience of love, tender love, and a warrior’s love, and of God’s love. Imagine this until it becomes real. Then, begin praying. You’re now ready to begin, and so is God ready to listen.
It is my prayer that in the neutrality of gratitude you get closer and closer to God through your prayer. Sure, everyone is different, but God stays the same, so prayer done through following His Will provides the best Will...it provides miracles. Stay tuned,
Your Friend,
Hari Jiwan Singh
