By G.S.Mansukhani

Those who offer prayers sincerely, know the efficacy and value of prayer. Other people think that prayer may give consolation and peace to man but cannot affect physical events, because the universe is governed by law. If fire burns today, it will also bum tomorrow, in spite of prayer. Life is regular and smooth because of these unchanging laws. Though saints and mystics may possess great powers, what we regard as a miracle may really only be the “power of prayer” or the “working of a Spiritual law.” Sincere prayer is a supplication made to God generally without any personal motive. God knows of all the desires and sincerity of the individual, [tis up to Him, to accept or reject a request made to Him. Certain basic laws are interacted on by other laws. Aero planes fly, contrary to the laws of gravity, but in turn they are governed by the laws of aerodynamics, Prayer may help in a psychological way, ¢.¢. people who are made ill by fear or tension while the effect is physical the cause may be mental. In such a case prayer may also heal in the same way as medicine, but by removing the mental cause. According to Sikhism, prayer can change man’s mind. Justas dirt is washed away by soap, in the same way man’s evil thoughts may be washed away by prayer and meditation, Sinners have turned into saints through the power of prayer. The example of Sajjan, the thug is well-known. Bhai Gurdas has cited the case of Queen Tara Lochan. Her lost sandals were restored to her by prayer. Guru Arjan emphasizes the role of prayer:

“The praising of His Name is the highest of all practices. It has uplifted many a human soul,

It slakes the desire of the restless mind.

It imparts an all-seeing vision.” (A.G.. p. 263). Prayer is not mere auto-suggestion, at its best, it is concentrating on

God and His qualities, God is goodness, truth, patience, peace and love. When a man offers prayer, God enters-into his life and gives His qualities to the devotee. With such qualities and power, He can mold things, others may regard such events as just coincidences but people who understand recognize them as the effect of prayer: “More things are wrought by prayer than this world ever dreams of.”

Article extracted from this publication >>  September 3, 1993