The new year is well underway, and, as always, time moves quickly. Many of us make resolutions each year, which we may have already broken–I’m guilty of that! But each day is a new start, and we can always begin again to set goals or make aspirations for how we want to make changes within ourselves and in our world.

The older I get, the more significant changes I would like to make are those that have to do with my thoughts and behaviors. I want to be more peaceful, compassionate, and aware.

Although I have creative projects I’d like to see completed, I know that meaningful, positive change in the outer world can happen only when there is an inner shift.

But easier said than done. Just because I vow to watch my thoughts and behaviors, making adjustments when needed, doesn’t mean I will always succeed. A need for strength is where prayer and intention come in.

What is prayer? Commonly, prayer is a request for help or an expression of thanks.

In Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam), prayers are offered to God, while in Hinduism, prayers are directed to one of a number of gods. In some forms of Buddhism, prayers are offered to Buddhas or awakened ones and bodhisattvas, those beings on a higher level of consciousness who are said to exist only to help others. We ask them for the inspiration and strength to develop ourselves for our own and others’ benefit.

These higher beings or forces can act as mentors, guides, and companions to help us have patience, courage, determination, and confidence to carry on. You might think of it this way: praying to them is like reaching out to the highest and best part of yourself, the part that will always be on your side, your soul, your creative spirit.

In Buddhism (and science), everything happens due to cause and effect. If you want a different effect, you must start with the cause. Making an aspiration and cultivating a strong desire causes change and creates a shift, however subtle.

Since everything is interrelated, a meaningful result can be achieved if you make a robust and generous wish for change and cultivate a firm intention, praying for strength and courage.

But you must watch the state of your mind, how you direct it, and the thoughts you entertain. You can’t control all the thoughts that pass through your mind, but you can choose which ones to focus on. If you are motivated to move in a positive direction, your life can be transformed.

Pray or set your intention in whatever way you choose, and end with the wish that whatever positive force you’ve created will benefit not only yourself but all beings. That way, your prayer becomes vast and generous.

“Prayer is not asking. It is a longing of the soul. It is a daily admission of one’s weakness. It is better in prayer to have a heart without words than words without a heart.”― Mahatma Gandhi