According to Charles Fillmore, prayer is the highest form of mental activity. In his book "The Revealing Word", he writes: "Prayer steps up mental action until man's consciousness synchronizes with the Christ Mind. It is the language of spirituality; when developed it makes man master in the realm of creative ideas".

When prayers seem to be not answered or non-effective, the reason for this is simple enough to find, unless our pride prevents us from honest self-evaluation. We were not mature enough to pray in harmony with divine ideas, waiting to be expressed and brought into manifestation through prayers. We did not fully cooperate with God's plan of overall growth and unfoldment.

Again and again, I find love to be one of the most important ingredients of a successful prayer.

God is love. This leads us to the conclusion that all divine actions are governed by love. In our prayers, we need to give love the primary place it rightfully deserves.

First, we should be aware of God's love toward us and toward others for whom we pray, and God's willingness to bless all humans in innumerable ways.

Second, we should not beg for love. "I need more love", sometimes people may say. No, they do not. The love of God is already within us and all around us. We are made of love. To ask for love is just as reasonable as for a wish to ask for water or for a bird to ask for air. We're called only to become aware of it - and to express it.

When I think of love in prayers, I find two ways of growing in its realization and expression.

The one way is worship.

By worship I do not mean involvement into religious ceremonies and church attendance, no matter how important all these activities could be to us. Worship is a state of mind. It is a mental concentration on God and all divine attributes, which establishes an unbroken inner connection with the Spirit, and immerses all our being into divine light.

While we worship, we enjoy the pure Presence of God. We ask for nothing. We are intend to stay inwardly peaceful and relaxed, even if there is much turmoil all around us. But, to our surprise, after a time of worship we often find answers and directions flashing in our minds.

Worship is an excellent way to seek first the kingdom of God and see others things added to us - without asking for them.

Our personal needs and other people's problems deserve thoughtful attention, but they cannot be our main focus. God is our Source, and only by staying in touch with the Source we will be able to draw ideas, strength, wisdom, and inspiration to deal with those situations.

Worship consciousness cleans us from self-centeredness and negative mental patterns. It is a mighty healing and transforming power, essential for our harmonious personal development. I am confident that no other spiritual practice can ever take its place.

The other way is affirmations, or positive declarations of Truth.

When we descend from "the mount" of worship into "a valley" of daily routine, what should we do? To dream of another chance to escape from our usual activities and responsibilities? Certainly not. We've been empowered to express love as never before. The light of love within us has been made even brighter. Let us shine it!