Monday, January 24, 2022

A Prayer



                  Prayer is the nearest approach to God




 

                              

  1)  A feeling gushing out like a water spring

       A feeling that moves our bosom to tears

       A feeling that strengthens and removes our fears

       A feeling that inspires us to merrily sing

       A feeling that lightens our hearts to swing

       A feeling that soothes our souls and comfort brings.

 

2)   A feeling that makes us forget our self

      A feeling that fills our hearts with joy unknown

      A feeling that makes us secure, and not alone;

      A feeling that makes us free from power and pelf;

      A feeling that makes us see a spark of Thine

      A feeling that gives relief from stress and strain.

 

3)  A feeling that gives satisfaction sweet

      A feeling that wipes off dividing lines

      A feeling that removes our worries vain

      A feeling that shows thee in every bird and beast.

      A feeling that strikes at our egoistic pride

      A feeling that broadens our vision clear and wide.

 

  4)  A prayer is not a social bargain     

       A prayer is not a business pact

       A prayer is not a mutual contract     

       A prayer is not a struggle, a craving for gain.

       A prayer is not just asking favours from God

       A prayer is not just offering gifts and praising Lord.

 

5)  A prayer is not doing rituals with expense great

     A prayer is not chanting Thy name without a break

     A prayer is not sacrificing beasts for Thy sake;

     A prayer is not to show off one’s status and state;

     A prayer is not a competitive trade

     A prayer is not a provocative tirade.   

 

6)  A prayer done with a sincere heart     

     A prayer done with no egoistic show;

     A prayer done with spontaneous feelings’ flow

     A prayer done irrespective of creed and caste

     A prayer done with noble and selfless thoughts

     A prayer true--with no diversions fraught.

 

6)   Wide knowledge and learning cannot reveal

       Adamant votive rites and sacrifices huge

       Will not lead us to seek God’s grace and refuge;

       Neither philosophy nor artistic skills;

       Neither visiting shrines or sacred spots

       Only surrender with a sincere selfless heart.

 

7)    A prayer reveals Thy all-pervading powers

        A prayer manifests Thy mysterious grace;

        A prayer transforms and checks our wayward ways;

        A prayer bestows peace and blessings showers;

        A prayer our sole support to reach Thy lotus-feet

        A prayer humbles our pride with devotion sweet.

 

8)    A prayer is the rising rose of dawn within

        A prayer is the star that shows our goal

        A prayer is the spiritual bread for our soul

        A prayer unfolds our hearts to repent for our sins;

        A prayer nourishes hope and strengthens our trust

        A prayer resurrects our soul from earthly dust.

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              Prayer should be the key of the day

              and the lock of the night." George Herbert

                                                              

          25th January, 2022                         Somaseshu Gutala        

     


    


                       

       

       

 

    

 

 

     

 




     

                                 

1 comment:

  1. Excellent poem. Wish we all could understand the essence of a prayer and experience it.

    ReplyDelete