The function of prayer is not to influence God, but rather to

Host: The stillness of the room felt heavy with contemplation. The light from the window softened as dusk began to settle in, casting a peaceful glow over Jack and Jeeny as they sat, reflecting on the words of Soren Kierkegaard. The air was filled with a quiet weight, the kind that comes from pondering a thought deeply. The quote about prayer resonated in the space between them, prompting a conversation about the nature of faith, introspection, and transformation.

Jack: “Kierkegaard’s view on prayer is such a powerful twist on how we usually think about it, don’t you think? He says that prayer isn’t about influencing God, but about changing the one who prays. That puts the whole purpose of prayer in a completely different light. It’s not about asking for something external, but about looking inward, about transformation.”

Jeeny: “Yes, it really shifts the perspective, doesn’t it? We often think of prayer as a way to petition God, to ask for guidance, help, or for things to change in our lives. But Kierkegaard is saying that the true purpose of prayer isn’t to change God’s will, but to change ourselves. It’s about humbling ourselves, reflecting on who we are, and allowing the act of praying to shape us into more patient, compassionate, and understanding people.”

Jack: “Right. So prayer becomes more of an internal practice, one that’s focused on self-awareness rather than external outcomes. It’s not about getting the world to bend to our will, but about aligning our hearts and minds with something deeper. Prayer transforms the one who prays—the one asking—rather than the one being asked.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. It’s like prayer is a tool for self-reflection, for personal growth. When we pray, we’re acknowledging our vulnerability, our desires, our struggles, and in doing that, we open ourselves up to a greater understanding of who we are. It’s not about changing the world around us, but about changing our response to the world.”

Jack: “That’s a deep shift in how we see the role of prayer. It’s not a way to manipulate situations or outcomes, but a way to find peace within ourselves, to become more aligned with our purpose. And maybe that’s the real power of it. Prayer becomes less about asking for answers, and more about learning to accept and grow through the challenges we face.”

Jeeny: “It’s also about surrender, isn’t it? When we pray, we’re acknowledging that we don’t have all the answers, that we don’t control everything. We let go of the need to control the external and instead open ourselves to internal change. We might not always get the answers we expect, but we’re given the opportunity to transform our own perspectives.”

Jack: “And isn’t that the heart of faith too? It’s not about demanding answers from God or the universe. It’s about trust—trusting that change will come, not necessarily in the way we expect, but in the way we need. Prayer becomes a way to build that trust, to strengthen our connection to something greater than ourselves, while also transforming ourselves in the process.”

Host: The room is quiet now, their words hanging in the air. The weight of Kierkegaard’s reflection on prayer as a transformative act, rather than a means to manipulate external circumstances, has reshaped their understanding of the practice. The act of praying becomes less about petition and more about personal evolution—a path that brings the one who prays closer to understanding, peace, and alignment with their true self. The world outside continues, but within the room, their conversation lingers, leaving behind a sense of quiet purpose.