Why Pray?

"I always pray to God but I do not get what I want"
The child looked at me with those big huge innocent eyes and stated.
I was at a loss for proper words for a few seconds. For me, it is very important to always satisfy children's curiosity with sincerity and truth. Sincerity, because children are very apt at smelling deception, and truth, because whatever you tell them is going to stay in their minds and shape their logical thinking.

As I explained to the child, it dawned on me as to how often we, adults, get trapped in the same pattern. It's our insolent self that takes everything for grated and questions whatever is denied.

We pray not because God needs it, but because WE need it. It's a reminder for us not to forget Who is The Lord. Praying keeps us anchored. It's our bliss. It's a gift from God to us through which we can communicate with Him. Without prayers, our souls are at a loss. It's our compass that tells us Who to turn to.

Prayer is not a call button that is expected to be answered immediately. It's also not to get God attentive. He is always attentive. He knows what is in our hearts, what is our need and what is in our lives. A prayer is an effort on our own part to bring peace in our lives. It reminds us that God is Omnipresent and Omnipotent.

Praying is our duty. Fulfillment of that duty brings satisfaction. It does not mean that we will immediately get what we asked for. In fact, we might never get it at all, but praying and supplications to the Almighty ensures our hearts that we told Him our need, which He already knew but we showed Him through our praying that we worship Him and Him alone and accept whatever He chooses for us, for He knows best.

We keep forgetting the purpose of our lives on earth. This life is a temporary abode and the sole reason for our existence is to serve our Creator by worshiping Him. Satan allures us through temptations to forget our duty towards our Lord. Prayer and constant prayer keep reminding us about our duty and hence saves us from neglect. It's our savior. It's our safeguard against temptations.