The difference between prayer and aspiration is mainly the seat of origin and the form it takes. Prayers generally originate from the mind and take a form of words addressed to God. Generally they become mechanical and hence less effective.
Aspiration invariably arises from the depths of the heart, may or may not be clothed in words, sometimes it is just a powerful Word connected to our soul depths, sometimes none. It is not necessarily directed towards a form of divinity but emerges like a cry of the being. Of course aspiration can take the form of prayers. But it is not inevitable. It may just be a silent will active in the heart not necessarily to a Divine Being or a specific Deity. Aspiration does not wait for a response. It simply gives us the energy to walk in the direction of our aspiration.
Both are effective but the real power and dynamism comes from the heart. If prayer emerges from the heart, spontaneously assuming the words and form it must take it becomes very powerful. Aspiration on the other hand is a fire burning deep in the heart, in the core of our being showing us the way, even secretly directing us towards the course we must take. It is like the inner guide in us who shows us where we must go and gives us the energy to do so.
Affectionately,
Alok Da
