Something to Think About

Insincere Prayers

The Baal Shem Tov once refused to enter a certain synagogue because he said it was too full of prayer. Noting his followers’ astonishment at his attitude, he explained that so many routine insincere prayers were uttered there that they could not rise to the heavenly throne and stayed on earth, cramming the synagogue full.
_{Baal Shem Tov, as quoted by Lionel Blue in Here & Hereafter}

It is a common experience that all things which one asks for in prayer are not received. The reason for this is that we do not know the mercy of the Lord, and ask for things that are not for our real good. The Power wants our evolution and progress. When that Power finds that what is asked for would involve the devotee further in the world, he does not grant it. If the Lord does not grant us the things we ask for, in order to save us from sinning, this is for our good. In the Christian scriptures, it is said:

Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.
_{Bible, James 4:3}

We are entangled in bodily and sensual pleasures. Our vision does not rise above them. If we were to receive all we ask for, we would certainly be involved in more sensual pleasures and our sins would increase.
_{Maharaj Sawan Singh, Philosophy of the Masters, Vol. III}