"God, our Creator, has stored within our minds and personalities, great potential strength and ability. Prayer helps us tap and develop these powers"

Abdul Kalam’s words invite deep reflection on the profound connection between human capability and spiritual practice. He asserts that the mind and personality contain enormous reserves of strength and skill, suggesting that each individual is inherently gifted with potential that often remains dormant or underutilized. These capacities, according to Kalam, are not the product of external influences alone, but are inherent endowments, suggesting a divine origin and purpose for every human being.

The significance of prayer, in this context, surpasses ritual or tradition. Kalam views prayer as a practical tool, a method by which individuals can access the hidden layers of their mind and heart. Prayer becomes a deliberate act of introspection and focus, quieting daily distractions and anxieties so that one’s deepest abilities can surface. This inward turn enables a discovery of personal strengths that might otherwise remain veiled by mundane concerns or self-doubt.

Moreover, the discipline of prayer cultivates qualities such as persistence, patience, humility, and hope. These are not just spiritual ideals but are also psychological assets, crucial for progress in any area of life. When practiced consciously, prayer aligns a person’s thoughts and actions toward their higher purpose, strengthening resolve and generating positive action. What Kalam emphasizes is the transformative power that lies within disciplined engagement with one’s inner world.

Thus, greatness is not solely the result of talent or education, but also of purposeful self-connection and spiritual attunement. The act of prayer bridges the gap between potential and achievement, between intention and action. By acknowledging and accessing the “stored” powers within us, as Kalam describes, individuals may find themselves capable of far more than they ever imagined, empowered to contribute meaningfully to their own lives and to the world around them.