Can japa-dhyanam be converted into a prayer? Or is it already that as obeisance is paid to Ishwara at the start?—Mohan S

It is true. It is already a prayer because you are saluting the Lord before you start. If you choose a mantra from what is popularly known as Pauranic Mantras like `Om Namah Shivaya’ or `Om namo bhagwate vasudevayah’ where you’re actually bringing in Ishwara and you’re saying `Unto the Lord in this form my salutations, my prostrations…’, it has already become a prayer. The advantage of using a traditional mantra is that it becomes a japa-dhyanam and also a prayer. Therefore, both are taken care of in one practice.