Paramhansa Yogananda emphasizes that while God hears every prayer, sometimes the prayers we receive are for our inner growth rather than external desires, and answers often come when we seek to change ourselves. When God does respond, it’s typically because the timing is right and the prayer focuses on spiritual development. God grants us free will, allowing us to seek fulfillment through our efforts rather than through divine intervention in worldly issues. The teachings of enlightened masters like Babaji and Christ encourage us to seek personal transformation and inspire global change without forcing us. Many wonder why negativity persists in the world; the reality is that it will remain until individuals choose to follow the light. I write this on my birthday, August 12th. The greatest gift I could ask for is God’s grace and guidance, and the opportunity to do my small part to share His light.