As humans we all have a defense mechanism against the challenges of the two worlds: The world of the flesh and the world of the soul, when we are snowed under with hardship and misfortune we take refuge in our inner cavern, and while being in a state of terror , the fear takes over our minds and bodies and so we plead for mercy and we call upon God who is always present there in the very core of our being, and thus we start praying; but what is praying for each one of us? And why do we really pray is it to ask for what we want? Is it because we are scared? Is it a need to nourish the soul, to communicate with the creator?
Praying is that vertical line our hearts climb to ascend and rise from its material condition to praise God through our laughter and tears, our joy and our sorrow, when we embrace life with all its chaos and its tides. It is a celebration of having the gift of life, of staying alive and making a change and adding to the world even by contributing on an individual level in shaping and putting in each our own input to the universe.
Praying is not only an attribute of the tongue, it is not only repeated words in an automated pattern, it is not only for asking to be given what we want, it is that complete trust that even If we were walking through hell on earth, we have the reassurance that we are not left behind, that God will take care of us, that what happens or do no happen is all for our own personal growth.
It is not only creed that will book us heaven, it is the deed we marry to that creed, actions are prayers too, working with all your heart, sweat and blood while enduring the hardship and still thank god and smile to the world is a prayer in itself.
When you are relaxing in the comfort of your home and your loved one or any person asks a favor from you and you sacrifice your well being to attend to their need, this is as much praying as to kneel and clap your chests in the temple of your religions.
When you are depressed and angry and a stranger passes you by and you greet him with a smile in spite of your inner sadness, this is as much praying as when you go to practice your religious ritual with a group of people that share the same faith as yours.
When you haven’t got much and still give it away to someone who needs it as much as you do, this is as much praying as when you give away money to the poor as asked in the commandments of God.
When you respect and treat each other with humanity and compassion whether or not of the same religion sector color or country, when your love is the love of the “ in spite “ not the love of the “ because “ this is as high as praying can get .
In all the above stated there is one trait in common, when you pray you step out of your personal ego gate , to enter the gate of God your creator , to forget yourself in order to contemplate and worship him or when you leave your sense of self and your “ the world revolves around me” mental state , to admit and see that others need you to be the center of their world so that God can use you as his tool for the good of humanity and its prosperity.
Do not just be content to exit and attend to your needs only, sure our first duties are the one towards ourselves, but there is a first because a second and third should follow. So next time you want to pray know that your heart is the temple make it sacred and do not invite sacrilege into the purity of your souls!
Lina Hanna Hanna.
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