Silencing our thoughts means tuning them in to God. That is when true prayer begins.”

– Paramhansa Yogananda

The subject of prayer itself is extremely vast.

As I have progressed in my spiritual journey, I have also moved on in my prayer life. However, it is very important to have a firm foundation regarding verses from the Holy Scriptures in order to give us clarity on what we seek.

Paramhansa Yogananda, the great born-again mystic from Bengal India in the early to mid twentieth century taught both in the East and the West, the importance of decluttering our minds and seeking inner guidance. This technique can be extremely effective for those meeting busy schedules.

In the New Testament Apostle Paul in his letter in the Book of Romans, speaks of times we have a deep inner groaning at times and we simply do not know what to pray about or how to pray. All we know is that we are carrying a deep longing for better circumstances, and our spirit starts groaning. When you don’t know what to pray for, the Apostle Paul points to the Holy Spirit in Romans 8:26-27, who helps believers by interceding with “groanings too deep for words,” as we don’t always know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit prays perfectly according to God’s will. This means relying on the Spirit’s guidance, praying Scripture, and trusting God’s plan, even in weakness or confusion. 

Paramhansa Yogananda asked his disciples to practice meditation as a technique to bring all our scattered thoughts into the point between our eyebrows. Through this concentration we become aligned with our inner longing that matters most to us, and we also then can calm our spirits. He asks us to simply wait on the Lord for inner guidance, for he never fails us and guides us to take decisions that go beyond our own selfish needs. It brings us in alignment with the superconscious powers.

On the other hand the key teachings from Paul on Prayer

• The Spirit Intercedes: Paul highlights our weakness in prayer, stating we often don’t know what to ask for, but the Spirit takes over, making heartfelt pleas that God understands.
• Praying God’s Will: The Spirit intercedes “in accordance with the will of God,” ensuring our prayers, even wordless ones, align with His perfect plan.
• Trust in Weakness: It’s okay to admit you don’t have all the answers or know how to pray; it’s a human reality, not a lack of faith, as Paul himself noted.
• God Works All Things for Good: Paul connects this to the broader truth that God works all things for the good of those who love Him, offering peace in uncertainty, according to Romans 8:28. 

Practical Application

• Pray Scripture: Use Bible verses as your prayer when words fail.
• Ask the Spirit for Guidance: Invite the Holy Spirit to help you pray.
• Pray for God’s Will: Focus on His purposes rather than just your immediate desires.
• Pray Continually: Offer all your feelings, including weakness and confusion, to God throughout the day. 

Paramhansa Yogananda advised his disciples to become connected with the divine continuously and never to be disconnected. This supreme connection is available to each and every worshipper if he or she makes an effort at establishing such a divine connection through repetition of Bible verses, singing hymns, surrendering to God’s will in all things, and practicing the path of devotion. Such efforts will surely bear good fruit in one’s life and in those with whom one connects.

In conclusion, to a novice who is even slightly interested in developing a prayer life, I would suggest pursuing it in obedience to God’s calling and humility. Also be inspired by encountering the persistence and devotion of other devotees. Last but not least, a prayer life is a truly blessed way of living.