Think of it this way. A sculptor is moulding the material of which we are made. He wants to mould it into a beautiful image. His hands are sometimes gentle when the material offered by our nature is neither loose nor hard. But if it is too soft or too hard his hands and strokes are also hard. During these times we wince or try to draw back from the moulding hands, complaining and grumbling unable to understand his intentions. Wouldn’t it be better instead if we ask him what he is doing and why trusting his intent but not knowing it? But to ask and listen and understand we need to first start talking to him, at least open a two-way communication with him. Prayer is one of the means of opening lines of communication from our side. It helps us understand the deep intent of the Creator and collaborate in the process rather than resisting it.
Affectionately,
Alok Da