Introduction

Prayer is a deeply personal and meaningful aspect of human existence. Many seek comfort, guidance, and peace through prayer. Some may wonder why they do not receive the answers they pray for. This exploration delves into the perspective of devotional service and the true understanding of what 'God’s will' might be.

Does God Exist and Answer Prayer?

There are those who believe God does not exist; this is a valid and commonly held viewpoint. However, for those who believe in a higher power, the concepts of prayer and divine intervention are central. According to many spiritual traditions, God does exist and He does answer prayers, but according to the laws of karma and one's personal devotion.

The Role of Karma in Prayer

In Hindu and Buddhist traditions, karma refers to the sum of a person's actions in this and previous states of existence, viewed as deciding their fate in future existences. When one prays for material benefits, it is often seen as aligning with the forces of nature, rather than direct divine intervention. This is a perspective that invites the notion that everything happens for a reason.

Engaging God in Devotional Service

To truly attract God’s attention and to fulfill one’s desires, many spiritual traditions prescribe a deep engagement in devotional service and personal surrender. The Kali-santarana Upanishad emphasizes the importance of petitioning God to become personally involved in one’s life through devotional practices. The Hare Krishna mantra, for instance, is seen as a powerful tool for repelling Evil and invoking the Divine.

The True Meaning of Prayer

Srila Rupa Goswami, a revered spiritual figure, quotes the Madhya 19.167 verse, which encourages individuals to think of the Supreme Being always, as mentioned in the Gita 9.34 and 18.65. He suggests that everyone should seek to become a devotee of God, not just a devotee of a lesser deity. Devotional service involves offering obeisances and engaging in various forms of worship as directed by one's spiritual mentor.

Engaging a Spiritual Master

A crucial component of successful devotional service is taking shelter of a spiritual master, who comes in the disciplic succession from Krishna. This guidance is considered essential for anyone aspiring to truly understand and fulfill the desires of the Supreme Lord. The Bhagavad-gita 4.2 states, 'According to this line of succession, the philosophers understood this mystery.'

The Criterion for a Pure Devotee

A pure devotee, according to Srila Prabhupada, is one who understands clearly what the Supreme Lord wants from them. This understanding comes through a spiritual master who is a representative of Krishna. The devotion does not end with pleasing the master but extends to satisfying Krishna, the Supreme Lord. As the scriptures affirm, 'Those who are most dear to Him are those who propagate the understanding of the Bhagavad-gita for the benefit of all conditioned souls.'

Conclusion

In the quest for peace and comfort through prayer, understanding God’s will and engaging in devotional service can provide profound insights. Whether one believes in a personal God or sees the universe as a web of interconnected energies, the path of devotion holds the key to true fulfillment.