The Metaphysics of Prayer

Prayer is a mystic tool to access the spark of divinity within and without: the creative force behind all manifestation. Prayer leads us down the pathway to the temple within. It enables us to turn a key in the secret lock of the inner door to this temple. Prayer lies at the point where science and mysticism meet. But how exactly does prayer work?
 
When we pray, we are first inspired to do so by our desire. After this, we then use our mind and will to attract—either consciously or unconsciously—the universal life forces into us. This prana is then conditioned by our words and love and directed outwards by our thought to our predetermined goal.
 
The process of prayer is rather like the actions of Superman. He is poised above the earth, looking down at an inevitable tragedy below. He is moved by his sensitivity and compassion and the desire to help. He instantly draws upon the great powers around him—the Universal life forces—and by the strength of his mind and indomitable will he flies to the scene to rescue the victims. He returns home incognito, with a sense of fulfillment that he could help.
 
Desire and Motive  
From this explanation of prayer, we see that our desire and motivation are vitally important components. Unless we feel moved to pray, or do any other Spiritual practice, we usually won’t do it. We must first have the desire to do it. Every action begins with desire: whether this is getting out of bed in the morning, reading a book, eating, exercising, meditating or praying. There is always something that drives us to do the things we do. Our desires and motives could be considered as a seed, and the resultant action, the plant, or fruit of the seed.
 
Many people are ruled by the desires of their lower self, rather than the higher self. The lower self leads us to do exactly what we want to do when we want to, irrespective of other people. These selfish desires in turn lead eventually to pain and suffering. Once we attune ourselves more to those things that bring joy and love to others, we are operating in the realm of our higher self. Then our desires become more selfless and expansive. Our motives are that we want the best for others; we want the world to be filled with peace and joy.
 
Prayer is a wonderful tool which attunes us to our higher self and which cultivates Spiritual desire within us. This is like a trigger that can start a metaphysical chain reaction that can result in virtual miracles, causing our selfish desires to slowly drop away.
 
Exercise
Sit quietly and deepen your breathing.
Think about your life, who you are, your career, your family and your talents.
Think about why you are here and your contribution to life.
Think about all the different people in the world, all the countries, and about the human race as a whole.
Realize that, despite our differences, we are all part of the oneness of life.
Think about the law of karma, action and reaction, and how everything you do has an equal and opposite reaction.
Realize that you can make your contribution a positive or a negative one: It is up to you to choose. Imagine that you are offering a prayer. See the prayer going out like a brilliant white light, encircling the globe, touching and healing everything and everyone it touches.
See it bringing food to those who are hungry; healing those who are sick and suffering.
Smell its beautiful perfume. Feel its power.
Hear the sound of heartfelt voices raised in unison.
Visualize mankind awakening to the riches of our true selves—all because of your prayer.
Allow yourself to feel a deep, warm feeling of accomplishment. Feel open, joyful, expansive, and alive. Realize that you hold in your hand a magical key, which is prayer, and you only have to make the effort to use it to unlock the door to performing miracles on Earth.  
Extract from Power Prayer: A Program for Unlocking Your Spiritual Strength by Gary and Chrissie Blaze; Foreword by Marianne Williamson.