Quest for Deeper Understanding

       

  

"The functions of prayer is not to influence God,

but rather to change the nature of 

the one who prays."

Soren Kierkegaard

As little children, we learn to say our night time prayers and prayers prior to meals.  I am certain the young ones are more concerned about keeping their eyes squished closed than grasping the meaning of any of the words. 

Then educational religious instruction settles in with memorization of lengthier prayers.  Again, the child is more keen to getting the words in order than relating deeply to the prayer.

Crisis, challenge or devastation propels us to learn new words to cast into a prayer.  We ask, we beg, and we plead.  Further along the road, we experience prayer as a communication connecting us to all things.  Prayers evolve into thanksgiving and praise, quest for deeper understanding and experiences to live our prayers.