Discovering the Pleasure of Prayer

Midnight.I had been in bed since 10pm.But I was still tossing and turning.I hadn’t eaten since 2pm, and my stomach was screaming for food.So I got out of bed, and made my way towards the kitchen.I opened the fridge, and out tumbled a glass jar.SMASH!It crashed on the ground and broke into pieces."Oh great! Just what I needed Now what do I do?" I thought to myself.It was dark & I didn't have any footwear on. One wrong move and I would have sharp glass pieces in my foot. So I began to tread with careful steps towards the switch.My senses were heightened. My mind was on full alert. And I was completely in the present moment.I had no thoughts other than the single purpose of getting to the light switch unharmed.With slow & steady steps, I made it!After the incident I reflected, what if I performed my prayers in the same way?With clear purpose. Being fully alert. And having no thought other than the words I use to communicate with God.The Lord of Universe has invited us to talk to him. How much more enjoyable our prayers would be if we performed our prayers with that awareness.Before prayer for me seemed like a chore. Something to tick off my to-do list. And I used to wonder how companions of the Prophet like Abu Dhar would find pleasure spending a whole night in ruku.But when I think of prayer in this way, it becomes something I look forward to.