Yatoham bhagini ariyaya jatiya jato,

Nabhijanami sancicca panam jivita voropeta.

Tena saccena sotthi te, hotu sotthi gabbhassa.

(Recite 3 times)

Translation:

Sister, from (the time of) being born in the Noble birth, I do not know that I have purposely deprived any living creature of life. By this truth may you be safe, may there be safety for (the child in) your womb.

The above prayer was taught by Buddha to Venerable Angulimala.

Angulimala chanced upon a household where a woman was having difficulty in giving birth.

Being concerned, he narrated his encounter to Buddha and Buddha taught the above stanza to Venerable Angulimala.

Angulimala then recited the prayer at the household and that woman duly gave birth safely. Since then, this stanza had been recited by many Buddhist when a woman has difficulty in labour.

Apparently the power of truth in relation to Venerable Angulimala’s proper observance of the precept to abstain from killing and harming other living creatures is being invoked in this prayer.

It seems that pure and right conduct based on Buddhist precepts hold certain potency or power that influence our prayers for others.

In the concept of karma, if we do good, we beget good. However, in this instance, our actions also can be a source of positive energy that benefit others.

This probably explain why some Buddhist prefer esteemed monks with long monastic career to recite blessings and prayers.

Following the same logic and rationale. It would seem appropriate to conclude that a person who observe the precepts of non killing will have good blessings to say prayer relating to life for others. For example prayer for longevity, good health, successful surgery etc.

A person observing precepts of non stealing, would have good blessings to invoke prayers relating to accumulation of wealth and property.

A person observing the precepts of non sexual misconduct would have blessings to invoke prayers for peaceful family and wholesome relationship.

A person observing precepts that guard the speech from lying, tale bearing, harsh speech etc will have blessings to invoke powerful mantras.

A person who observe the precepts to abstain from intoxicant will have blessings to invoke prayers that clear the mind and confusions.

The above is a very simple illustration and not meant to be conclusive.

I believe that the better we are, as a person (acton, speech and thoughts), the better our prayers will be.

It is also important to note that the purity of precepts observance is influenced by our motivation and intention.

For example, if we observe precepts with the intention of gaining ‘power’ for our prayers. Then our motivation becomes tainted.

Last but not least, we should share the dharma so that others are inspired to lead the righteous path too. For example, If we can convince a person not to kill animals or harm other living creatures, that would be even more meritorious than us acting as a payer service agent.

I hope this motivates you to be better Buddhist and may all be well and happy.