We all believe in God in one or the other form and so we do our daily prayers and worship. But what may be the reason that our prayers are not accepted due to which we are not able to experience positive changes in the situation or ourselves?
All the Vedas, Puranas and other religious books talks about God being indulgent, infinite, omniscient and always looking forward to solve the problems. Then what is the reason that the fulfillment of our desires such as improvement in the relationship, awareness of own errors and prevention of other sorrows is not possible even through prayer?
At first let’s look at all the factors whose responsibility is on the person who does the prayer. Prayer is left incomplete due to the following shortcomings of the person doing the prayer:
Lack of complete faith in God – Even though we have faith in God, but it is not in a complete form. This is the major cause of unanswered prayer. Due to lack of faith only, our mind is engrossed in our own plans. The reason for making such plans is that we rely more on our power and wisdom.
Lack of determination – On change of circumstances change, our view also changes and so does the purpose of our prayer. The second reason is not follow the rules of the prayer.
Longer time in the completion of prayer – Every prayer has to be done according to rules of the prayer and takes long time in fulfillment but as of lack of time human are not able to follow.
Lack of concentration – Most of the people focused less on God and more on the desired fruit. At the same time, we on our own only determine the time to solve the problem. Whole time we are concerned to the fact that the time does not pass away. Our mind is bewildered on account of obtaining the fruits on an immediate basis. Due to impatience, the distracted mind is not able to converge. In addition, our mind is usually busy in listening to matters of other people here and there and daily activities because of which our mind is not completely engrossed in the prayer.
Unreasonable cause to pray – It would be appropriate to understand this thing with help of an example. If any student does not prepare for exams throughout the year and at the time of examination, pray to God to pass the exam, his prayers will not be completed. If one has a dark complexion by birth and he prays to God for being white. In both the reasons, validness of circumstances is more due to which the use of prayers for their improvement is completely impractical.
Superficial association with God – Most of the time when we worship or pray to God, we assume him to be away from ourselves. For example, when we offer something to God, we know that we only will get that offering and God is left in the form of a statue of stone. Unless and until the association with God does not achieve its apogee, the answer to prayer remains incomplete.
Not to practice fair conduct – For the success of any prayer, sacrifice or ritual, it is essential to always discharge religious conduct. If someone lies or resort to fraud to fulfill their self-interest then his prayer is never successful. In addition to this only, other negative actions such as condemnation, theft, foul thoughts, to remain trapped in deeds such as negative thinking and addictions and more leads to wastage of energy of prayer.
Not to be receptive – Our mind is busy in its own world of fantasy which is in accordance to its own convenience. Without recognizing the reality, the mind itself creates a wall of thoughts, wishes and expectations. Because of this wall, the light of truth does not reach us.
A formal prayer – A prayer is successful only when it is done with pure heart and full consciousness. If it is done without focus, it remains as a mere physical process only. It is very essential for a prayer to connect with the mind. When God is worshipped by offering deep contemplation to Him, the mind seems to be free of malice and passion and the prayer is fulfilled.
To run away from our deeds – By not being aware of one’s responsibilities and to rely solely on worship and lack of proper action is not acceptable to God. For example, if a person is upset and because of this whole time he keeps on telling his suffering to other people and by not co-operating in the management of the house etc. and does his prayer by placing himself in the same distress, it leads to the reduction of the power of prayer.
“Prayer done with fear of greed, prayer done with lack of devotion and faith and prayer done without the guidance of the master, such prayer is not able show complete efficacy.”
