Frederick William Robertson: 'Pray till prayer makes you forget your own wish, and leave it or merge it in God's will.'

Pray till prayer makes you forget your own wish, and leave it or merge it in God's will.

The quote by Frederick William Robertson, 'Pray till prayer makes you forget your own wish, and leave it or merge it in God's will,' encapsulates the essence of true dedication and surrender in the act of prayer. At first glance, it suggests that one should continue praying until their personal desires become insignificant, and they fully align their will with that of a higher power. This notion implies a level of selflessness, humility, and a willingness to let go of our own ambitions in order to embrace a divine plan.Indeed, the quote's straightforward interpretation already poses profound questions about the nature of prayer and individual desires. It suggests that prayer should transcend mere requests for personal gain and should instead focus on aligning our own goals with those of a larger, universal purpose. By doing so, we understand that our own wishes may be limited in scope and potentially blinded by our subjective perspective of reality.However, to deepen the exploration of this idea and generate further interest, we can introduce an unexpected philosophical concept – the notion of existentialism. Existentialism, a philosophical movement that emerged in the 20th century, emphasizes individual freedom, choice, and the importance of personal responsibility in shaping one's own existence. At first glance, it may appear contradictory to the idea of surrendering personal desires to a higher will.When we examine these two contrasting ideas, existentialism and the guidance to merge our desires with a higher power, an intriguing dialogue emerges. Existentialism emphasizes individual agency and the power to make choices, while the quote implies surrender and submission to a greater force. Yet, upon closer examination, these seemingly opposing concepts can coexist and even complement each other.Existentialism encourages us to take ownership of our wishes, desires, and ambitions. However, it also prompts us to recognize the inherently limited nature of our human perspective and the potential flaws in our own individual understanding. In this context, the quote by Robertson reminds us that while our wishes may be important, they should not overshadow the vastness and wisdom of a greater cosmic plan.By merging the existential perspective with the concept of surrendering to a divine will, we find a harmonious balance. We retain our sense of individual importance and empowerment in shaping our lives, yet simultaneously acknowledge the existence of a higher power that holds a wisdom beyond our own limited sight.This integrated approach to prayer allows us to engage in a dialogue with a higher power while retaining our autonomy and personal responsibility. It encourages us to align our desires with a broader perspective, one that encompasses not only our individual lives but also the interconnectedness of the entire universe.In conclusion, Frederick William Robertson's quote on prayer encourages us to transcend our personal wishes and merge them with a higher will. It calls for humility, selflessness, and a recognition of the limitations of our own understanding. By introducing the philosophical concept of existentialism and exploring the potential synergy between the individual and the divine, we gain a deeper appreciation for the profound wisdom inherent in the act of prayer. Embracing both our autonomy and a surrender to a higher power, we embark on a journey of self-discovery, self-transcendence, and alignment with a greater cosmic purpose.