"Prayer is not asking. It is a longing of the soul. It is daily admission of one's weakness. It is better in prayer to have a heart without words than words without a heart"

Prayer, as described by Gandhi, transcends mere verbal expression or requests for help. It is an intimate action rooted in the very essence of human experience, a deep yearning of the soul that seeks connection, understanding, or solace from something greater than oneself. Instead of viewing prayer as a transactional act where a person petitions for desires or help, Gandhi presents it as a humble acknowledgment of human vulnerability. When a person prays, they open themselves to their limitations, confronting their frailties with honesty and courage. The act then becomes a sincere admission, a recognition that strength and clarity may sometimes lie beyond our own capabilities.

At its purest, prayer does not require language. Words, while often used to shape our appeals or gratitude, are ultimately secondary to the state of the heart. Genuine prayer arises from authenticity, from a place of earnest openness rather than rehearsed or eloquent speech. It is possible, Gandhi suggests, to speak at length without truly praying, if those words are hollow or disconnected from inner truth. Conversely, a silent yet fervent heart can communicate volumes, even without uttering a single syllable. The posture of the soul matters more than the articulation of thought; sincerity carries prayer further than any rote recitation.

Implicit in Gandhi’s reflection is a call to humility and depth in spiritual practice. Prayer is a space to encounter one's own limitations, admit weakness without shame, and reach for spiritual uplift without assumption or demand. It is a discipline of surrender, not a list of requests, and its value lies in the authenticity of the heart engaged in it. By placing the emphasis on feeling over form, he invites people to recognize the simple yet profound ways in which longing and vulnerability can become spiritual strengths, transforming prayer into an honest and courageous act of being.