This International Day
of Prayer for Men and Boys is for those persons who are deep, intense and
mediocre believers in the power of prayer. It is for those who underestimate
prayer producing results. It is a day that seeks to use prayer as a medium to modify
and improve lives, personalities and opinions of the world’s men and boys.
Almost two decades ago,
a childhood friend asked about the requests I made while praying. At that time,
I prayed for the success in exams and a good career. Today, those prayers have
been modified. I pray for wisdom
and friends who would help and guide me on life’s journey. I also use prayer as
a platform to direct my life so I can help as much of humanity as possible. Our
prayers change and vary according to such factors as age, health conditions,
state of mind, view of the world, education, material success, philosophy of
life and personal goals. Let us reflect on this day on the manner in which our
prayers can be used to uplift ourselves and enhance the lives of the world’s
boys and men.
Prayer is the
universal language of human communication. Both private and public prayers have
been a feature of humanity. Prayer is a global form of communicating with
others and acknowledging the existence of someone of something that is greater
or advanced than us. Undoubtedly prayer is the connectivity that has linked the
past, present and future. Despite different forms of prayers and methods of
praying, these are actions that move us to another level of thinking and
believing.
The power of
prayer is such that status, wealth, popularity and fame do not determine one’s
ability to pray. There are no criteria
to satisfy for someone who wants to pray. Likewise, the effectiveness of prayer
is not based on the method of praying but the genuineness of the praying
persons. Women, men, children have the freedom to pray.
Powerful prayers
usually emanate when the body, mind and soul is at rest. But solitude is not
necessary for powerful and effective prayers. Prayers during times of crisis, personal
turmoil and disaster are also needed. And, obviously some will appear
unanswered but if these are beneficial, these prayers will eventually be
realized in the long-term or in a different manner. Prayer gives us more
certainty in an uncertain world. Those who pray would rely less on words such
as- luck, chance and possibility. Yes, prayer provides a clearer vision and
confidence. It is a spiritual tonic that allows us to experience a more
enriching and fulfilling life.
We occasionally need to move away or temporarily shut out the distractions and focus for a few moments on praying. Below is a brief prayer that focuses on the need to prayer for others.
* * *
Praying For The Rest Of Us
Let us pray for others who are not aware of the importance of prayer.
Pray for those persons who need to pray but are unaware of the power of
prayer.
Pray for those boys and men who have never prayed and want to pray.
We pray for the many persons who are uncertain how to pray.
Pray for those who use prayer only in times of crisis.
Let us pray for those men and boys who want to change their lives but
are unable to do so.
Pray for the young who are sick
and dying,
whose short lives mean they will never be able to pray.
Pray for the elderly persons who will soon depart this life.
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