CONTACT PRAYERS

As a Submitter to God (in Arabic, Muslim), I am privileged to perform a specific set of prayers each day, known as the Contact Prayer (in Arabic, Salat). I recite these prayers in Arabic, though I don’t speak or understand the Arabic language. In order to avoid just reciting syllables without understanding, I try to think of the English meaning as I’m saying the Arabic words. I don’t always remember, but when I do, I’m awed by the words God has given us to say. I’m overwhelmed by this gift from God to us—this opportunity to make contact with our Creator and humble ourselves before Him.

We begin, as we should begin everything, by saying “In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.” Everything we do or say or think is in the name of God, and it’s important to remember that. He is in full control of everything.

[31:22] Those who submit completely to GOD, while leading a righteous life, have gotten hold of the strongest bond. For GOD is in full control of all things.

[39:62] GOD is the Creator of all things, and He is in full control of all things.

Then we praise God, who is Lord of the Universe. Again, this recognition that He created it all. The majesty and grandeur of the heavens—a vastness we can’t really comprehend. And our amazing planet earth that sustains us, by His grace.

Then we repeat, “Most Gracious, Most Merciful.” He shows us mercy way beyond what we deserve. He forgives our sins, allows us to repent and reform. Gives us chance after chance.

[2:160] As for those who repent, reform, and proclaim, I redeem them. I am the Redeemer, Most Merciful.

We then acknowledge that He is “Master of the Day of Judgment.” We will all come before God in the end, each of us as an individual. There will be no one to intercede on our behalf. What we do on this earth is all being recorded, and that record will be shown to us. God overlooks many of our sins, but if we don’t make the decision to worship God alone,

our bad deeds can overwhelm us. God does not forgive idol worship, if maintained until death. We have to devote ourselves absolutely to God, with our whole heart.

[19:95] All of them will come before Him on the Day of Resurrection as individuals.

[17:13] We have recorded the fate of every human being; it is tied to his neck. On the Day of Resurrection we will hand him a record that is accessible.

[26:89] Only those who come to GOD with their whole heart (will be saved).

Perhaps the most important sentence of all is: “You alone we worship; You alone we ask for help.” If we turn to anyone or anything other than God for help or support, if we think we are in control of our lives, if we feel vain pride in our accomplishments, then we are not worshiping God alone. God is the only One who can support us, and He can support us completely. He is the only One who controls everything in our lives, every minute of every day.

Cont'd on page 2