Yogasūtra I.28 - tad-japaḥ-tad-artha-bhāvanam

How should we relate to God?

The way to related to God is through Mantra-japa, visualizing on his/her auspicious attributes.

Patañjali suggests that it is necessary to reflect constantly on the qualities of God. This might be aided by the repeated recitation of his/her name along with prayer and contemplation. Mechanical repetition and prayer are worthless. The Mantra-japa must be done with conscious thought and consideration, done with profound respect.