Lord Shiv is one of the Gods of the trinity of Gods which Hindus believe in, the other two being Brahma and Vishnu. He is known as the destroyer, and destroys the world and the end of all the four Yugs (the four yugs last for 6,480,000 years) for creation to start afresh. He is a unique God in the entire Godheads of Hindu belief and is incomparable with any other God. He is moody, free of inhibitions, easy to please, protector of the down trodden, and has the power to alter the laws of destiny. He is Mahakaal, who destroys and dissolves everything into nothingness. But as Shankara, he also reproduces that which has been destroyed and dissolved. His symbol of phallus symbolises this reproductive power.

This prayer (chalisa) praises the Lord and asks for his help in removing all the problems from the devotees life. It is suggested that you focus your mind on Lord Shiva or his image and say this prayer.

Jai Ganesh Girija suvan, mangal mool sujan,
Kahati Ayodhyadas tum, deu abhaya vardan.

Hail Lord Ganesh, son of Girija, who is supremely wise and the start of all auspicious events. Ayodhyadas asks you, to grant him the boon of safety and security.

Jai Girijapati deen dayala,
Sada karat santan pratipala.

Hail Girijapati (Shiv, husband of Girija. Girija means mountain, referring to Mt. Kailash, where Lord Shiv is supposed to reside.), the ever kind Lord, Who always looks after and protects his devotees.

Bhal chandrama sohati neeke,
Kanan kundal nag phani ke.

He has the moon upon his forehead, and in his ears, instead of rings, he has the serpents coiling around.