A Reflection on the Beloved Call

Prayer frequently turns into just another task on our to-do list in the quiet nooks and crannies of our lives—between breakfast preparation, traffic, and endless work emails.  We’ve all been there: automatically murmuring prayers, looking at the time, and accelerating to “get it done.”  How quickly the sacred occasion turns into a chore.

A far deeper invitation, however, is found at the core of spiritual life: prayer as a meeting—a live dialogue with the Beloved.  Relationships are what our spirits long for, not rituals.  Let’s examine what it means to turn prayer from a duty into a dynamic, living experience today.

 

  1. Recognizing the Nature of Divine Invitation

 

When we lose sight of the fact that God is calling us, not demanding, the idea of prayer as a duty arises.  We sense an open, compassionate invitation throughout spiritual classics and the Qur’anic language of du‘ā’ (invocation).  It’s similar to a friend inviting you to sit with them.  To share presence, not to tick a box.

This well-loved invitation is echoed throughout generations in the spirit of the Marifah Family Retreat: parents praying with their children, friends pleading side by side—all of these encounters are based on hospitable openness rather than robotic recitation.

 

  1. Shifting from Duty to Dialogue

What makes obligation different from dialogue?  “I must” or “I have to” are examples of outward-focused obligations.  It is a transaction.  In contrast, dialogue begins with “I want to” or “I’d love to,” and is relational.  It’s living, intimate, and reciprocal. 

 

 To move:

Pause before beginning:Before you start, stop, take a deep breath, and be in the moment.

Speak from the heart:Don’t use fancy words if they don’t represent who you are; instead, speak from the heart.

Pause to listen: allow a moment of silence—empty yourself to receive.

Your prayer can be transformed into a meaningful conversation with these straightforward invitations.

 

  1. Making Prayer Feel Like a Meeting

 

Let’s give this some substance.  Consider:

entering the room –where the call starts, either physically or emotionally.  Take away any distractions.

Salutations to the Beloved: “Hello,” “Salam,” or “Peace be upon You.” 

Honest sharing of happiness, bewilderment, loss, and thankfulness.

Finishing close: remaining there, like a friend you don’t want to part with.

In this manner, prayer is transformed into a sacred encounter—a private time rather than a hasty chore.

 

  1. The Power of Beloved Imagery 

 

Metaphors—lover and beloved, kid and parent, traveler and guide—are used in spiritual traditions to influence our interactions.  These serve as litmus tests for the orientation of our hearts and are not merely poetic.

Imagine yourself standing in front of the Parent of Mercy if your posture is one of appreciation.

 

If you are experiencing yearning, picture the lover pursuing the Beloved’s beauty.

Imagine asking the Most Wise for advice if you’re feeling confused.

The posture of prayer is changed from stiff knee bending to heart opening by these pictures.

 

  1. Prayer That Shapes Daily Life

 

Such prayer is not limited to ceremonial times; it permeates every part of the day:

In little moments—a pause before taking a call, a reminder when tired.

In everyday routines—when a pause breaks the scroll, or when a look up asks for assistance.

The meeting in prayer is echoed by our virtues in action in real relationships—with others.

Prayer is a gathering that transforms not just our words but also who we are.

 

  1. Overcoming the Obstacles

 

If duty still drags you down:

Time pressure: Try taking a deep breath to centre yourself under time constraint.  Just a second.  That might be sufficient to re-establish contact.

Distraction: talk quietly and inwardly, using a phrase like “Ya Latif” (O Subtle), and allow it to bring you back.

Boredom: reaffirm your purpose—why am I contacting you now?  What am I supposed to do?

This candid evaluation aids in your journey back—from the ditch of duty to the encounter route.

 

  1. The Marifah Wisdom: Community as Meeting Point

 

Meetings are enhanced by retreats, get-togethers, and times when people pray together.  Joining people in prayer creates a sense of wonder, enthusiasm, and support for one another.

Start a prayer circle, which could be a weekly or even short group activity.  Observe how your intention is changed by the shared one.

 

  1. A Simple Practice to Begin

 

Allow me to offer a brief, useful tip that can be used to any spiritual tradition:

  1. Create a calm environment with a couch, a peaceful nook, and dim lighting.
  2. Take a few deep breaths to centre yourself.
  3. Begin with acknowledgment—”Here I am, Beloved.”
  4. Use plain language, such as “I feel anxious today.”  I thank you, and I ask that you lead me.
  5. Take a moment to listen—for motivation, solace, and introspection.
  6. End on a positive note by saying, “Thank you for meeting me.”
  7. Keep it going—as you proceed, let a brief moment of the prayer to stay in your heart.

This brief 5-minute meeting has the power to change the mood of the entire day.

 

  1. Emerging Fruits of Meaningful Prayer

 

When your prayer becomes meeting:

Presence deepens:You become more adept at truly inhabiting the present moment.

Trust grows: The Beloved’s invitation demonstrates that you are heard, which builds trust.

Love is fostered: even in quiet, the inner connection grows.

Meaning is found in action: your decisions are based on your heart, not a checklist.

The remarkable is that silent metamorphosis from within, not usually fireworks.

 

  1. A Prayerful Challenge

 

Begin now:  

Select a prayer moment, maybe one you typically avoid or put off.

Think of it as a get-together with a dear friend.

Note the changes in tone, length, and peace after prayer.

Keep a record of it:  Write a reflection in three sentences that asks, “What did I feel?”  What was it I heard?  What was different?  

Tomorrow, repeat this.  Watch the invitation come to life, one moment at a time.

 

  1. Conclusion: Meeting in Every Breath

This reflection encourages you to have a conversation instead of just complying.  to give and accept your heart.  to live in presence and extend that presence into every interaction.  

Meeting in prayer is a gift for you and everyone you come into contact with.  It transforms from words into a living air that is infused with spirit.  A communion that lasts more than an hour. 

I hope your prayer times are vibrant.  I pray that every encounter will gently and irrevocably pull you into the Beloved’s arms, and that it will mould, uplift, and pour out love, purpose, and grace through you.

 

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