Meaning: This quote by Frederick Robertson, a 19th-century Anglican clergyman, encapsulates the essence of prayer as a transformative and deeply spiritual practice. In this quote, Robertson emphasizes the idea of surrendering one's own desires and wishes to align with the divine will of God through prayer. The act of praying, according to Robertson, should not solely focus on presenting our own wishes and desires to a higher power, but rather on reaching a state of spiritual communion where our own will becomes secondary to the will of God.

Prayer is a fundamental aspect of many religious traditions and is often regarded as a means of communication with the divine. It serves as a way for individuals to express their gratitude, seek guidance, ask for forgiveness, and offer supplications. However, Robertson's perspective on prayer goes beyond the conventional understanding of petitioning for personal needs. He suggests that the ultimate purpose of prayer is to transcend one's individual desires and to attune oneself to the divine will.

The first part of the quote, "Pray till prayer makes you forget your own wish," conveys the idea that through persistent and earnest prayer, individuals can begin to detach themselves from their personal desires and concerns. This implies a shift in focus from self-centered prayers to a more selfless and spiritually attuned form of communication with the divine. It encourages individuals to look beyond their immediate needs and desires, and instead, strive for a deeper connection with the divine.

The second part of the quote, "and leave it or merge it in God's will," underscores the notion of surrender and submission to the will of God. It suggests that through the process of prayer, individuals can come to accept and align themselves with the greater divine purpose. This implies a willingness to let go of personal agendas and to trust in the wisdom and benevolence of God's will. It also implies a sense of merging one's own will with that of God's, where the individual's desires become harmonized with the divine plan.

Robertson's perspective on prayer reflects a profound spiritual insight that extends beyond religious boundaries. It speaks to the universal human longing for connection, purpose, and transcendence. By emphasizing the transformative power of prayer in reshaping one's perspective and priorities, Robertson encourages individuals to cultivate a deeper sense of spiritual awareness and humility.

This quote can be interpreted as a call to embrace a more profound and selfless approach to prayer, one that transcends the limitations of individual desires and ego. It invites individuals to seek a state of spiritual alignment and surrender, where the act of praying becomes a transformative process of self-transcendence and attunement to the divine.

In conclusion, Frederick Robertson's quote on prayer offers a thought-provoking perspective on the transformative potential of prayer. It challenges individuals to move beyond the confines of their own wishes and desires and to embrace a more profound and selfless form of communication with the divine. By emphasizing the importance of surrender and alignment with God's will, Robertson's quote serves as a powerful reminder of the spiritual depth and transformative power inherent in the act of prayer.