Prayer is an integral part of all the world’s religions. Prayer takes many forms. There are inner and outer forms of prayer. There are silent prayers and prayers that are spoken, chanted, or sung aloud. There are fixed, formal prayers, and spontaneous prayers, inspired by the heart. Behind all real prayers is the sincere heart, longing for God, longing for a connection to the Divine. It is said that everything in the universe is in prayer. All of creation is worshiping God. Only humanity, because we have free will, has the option of praying or not. So, for us, real prayer does not come automatically; it is an achievement. Keeping our minds focused in prayer is a constant challenge. Unless the heart is on fire, the mind wanders. One day, the Prophet, upon whom be peace, said to his Companions, “Can any of you perform even the shortest form of formal prayer and keep your mind solely on God?” (This prayer consists of two sets, each consisting of recitation, followed by bowing once and prostrating twice.) At first no one answered. Finally, the most spiritually advanced of the companions said that he would be willing to try. The Prophet, upon whom be peace, said, “If you can do it, I will give you my cloak.” (The cloak of a prophet is not merely a piece of cloth; it is a sign of spiritual status and even of worthiness to be the prophet’s successor.) The companion began to pray. The Prophet, upon whom be peace, watched him intently. During the second half of the prayer, the Prophet smiled slightly and relaxed. When the man had finished, the Prophet asked him if he was able to keep his mind solely on God. The man replied, “I was able to concentrate on God during the first half of prayer. But, during the second half, the thought suddenly came to me – the Prophet has two cloaks; which one will I get?” (Credit: Remembrance & Prayer: The Way of Prophet Muhammad by Sheikh Muhammad Al-Ghazali (translated by Yusuf Talal DeLorenzo) Dua for Guidance & Mercy by Prophet Muhammad “O Allah, I ask You for firmness in my affairs and to be resolved in doing what is right. And I ask You for thankfulness for Your grace and for excellence in Your worship. I ask You for a sound heart and a truthful tongue. I ask You for the best of what You know, and I seek refuge in You from the evil of what You know. And I ask You to forgive me for what you know of me.”