The concept of prārthanā (prayer) in devotional practice is profound and subtle. The word “prārthanā” itself is derived from pra + artha + na:
- Pra means complete or fully, as seen in the word prahlāda, meaning “complete enjoyment.”
- Artha means desire or purpose.
- Na is a suffix that makes the word feminine.
In Sanskrit, some words are feminine or masculine based on their inherent purpose. Prārthanā, as a feminine word, is meant for Bhagavān’s pleasure, much like a devotee’s service to the Divine is for His joy. The word suggests that prayer is an act of offering something to Lord, not merely asking for something. Just as a mother gives to her child without expecting anything in return, a devotee’s prayer is an offering of love and service, asking Lord for the strength to serve Him, not for material desires.
What Should One Pray For?
Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasized that true prayer is not about asking Lord for material things, but about expressing the desire to serve Him. A devotee’s prayer is rooted in a selfless request: “Bhagavān, please engage me in Your service.” It is the prayer of a soul who desires to fulfill the Lord’s wishes, transforming personal desire into a prayer for divine service. While ordinary people pray to ask, a devotee’s prayer reflects a yearning to offer—an offering of service, love, and surrender.
In the essence of prārthanā, we see a shift from asking for something from Lord to asking for the ability to serve Him, to fulfill His desires. The deeper significance lies in indirect expression (parokṣavāda)—prayer is meant to please Lord by aligning our desires with His divine will.
The Feminine Nature of Prārthanā
The feminine aspect of the word prārthanā is not just grammatical but symbolic: it signifies giving, as a female is considered a source of nurturing and receiving joy. The suffix “na” (as in “Nā Bhagavān”) reflects an absence of svārtha (self-interest). When we say “Nā Bhagavān” in response to His inquiry about our desires, we express our selfless nature, surrendering all personal wishes in favor of His will. Prārthanā, thus, becomes a vehicle to give rather than take from Bhagavān.
The Purpose of Prayer: To Serve, Not to Receive
The core of all prayers is to please Lord and to seek the opportunity to serve Him. True prayer, at its heart, is the devotion that arises when we desire to fulfill the Divine’s wishes, not our own. The devotee asks not for material gain but for the strength to perform service and offer their heart in devotion.
Prayers can be categorized into external and internal:
- External prayers involve speaking or singing the hymns and praises of the Lord.
- Internal prayers are more profound, as they come from the heart, reflecting the devotee’s true understanding of the prayer’s mood and meaning.
External prayers alone may not reach Lord, but it is the internal prayers, full of understanding and heart, that truly please Him. It is in the quiet, sincere prayers offered from the soul that the devotee connects with Lord in the most intimate and profound way.
Offering Prayers in the Right Mood
The proper mood behind the prayer is crucial. For example, one should offer Kṛṣṇa-stuti (praise of Kṛṣṇa) to Rādhārānī and Rādhā-stuti (praise of Rādhā) to Kṛṣṇa—offering each prayer with the understanding of their divine roles and mutual love. This attitude is vital for Bhagavān’s pleasure. Without this understanding, prayers may not have the desired effect.
The Continuous Nature of Prayer
Prayer is not a one-time offering but a continuous connection between the jīvātmā (individual soul) and Bhagavān. Prayers should be offered twenty-four hours a day—whether through words, thoughts, or deeds—maintaining a constant bond with the Divine. It is this continual offering of our hearts in devotion that transforms prayer into a powerful force in the devotee’s life.
Conclusion: Prārthanā as the Path to Devotion
In conclusion, prārthanā is not just about asking, but about offering our hearts and desires to Lord, seeking only the chance to serve Him. It is the ultimate expression of selflessness, where desires transform into devotion, and the heart is aligned with the Divine. By offering our prayers with understanding and sincerity, we deepen our connection to Lord, not just as a means of asking, but as an act of devotion and love.