Quote 41: "The function of prayer is not to influence God, but rather to change the nature of the one who prays." – Søren Kierkegaard
- Dr. ARUN V J
- Jul 30
- 5 min read
Let's talk honestly about prayer.
For many, it feels like sending a cosmic wish list upwards, hoping for a favorable response. Phrases like "I'll pray for you" or urgent pleas in tough times are common.
But what if this common understanding barely scratches the surface?
What if prayer's true power lies not in changing external circumstances or even influencing a distant deity, but in a profound inner revolution that reveals your deepest nature?
Who Was Søren Kierkegaard? A Brief Introduction
Søren Kierkegaard (1813–1855) was a Danish philosopher, theologian, and writer often considered the "father of existentialism." Unlike systematic philosophers who sought universal truths, Kierkegaard focused on individual experience, faith, and the struggle for authentic existence.
Key Aspects of Kierkegaard’s Thought:
Subjective Truth: He emphasized that truth is not just abstract ideas but lived experience—especially in matters of faith and personal commitment.
Leap of Faith: He argued that true belief in God requires passion and risk, not just rational proof.
Critique of Organized Religion: He challenged the institutional church, stressing that real Christianity demands personal engagement, not just ritual.
Anxiety & Freedom: He explored human anxiety ("The Concept of Anxiety") as the dizziness of freedom—the fear and possibility of choice.
Kierkegaard’s writings (like "Fear and Trembling" and "The Sickness Unto Death") remain deeply influential in philosophy, theology, and psychology. His insight on prayer—that it changes the prayer rather than God—reflects his belief in inner transformation over external control.
Consider two profound insights that reshape everything:
"The function of prayer is not to influence God, but rather to change the nature of the one who prays." – Søren Kierkegaard
"If God can be influenced, then God is not absolute. If God is omnipotent and the originator as depicted in all religions, then we need not speak. Many scriptures say God resides in its beings. Aham Brahmasmi (I am Divine). Tat Tvam Asi (Thou art That Divine Essence). We are the essence of God itself."
These aren't conflicting ideas; they are a powerful progression. Let's explore how prayer works on this deeper level.
Shifting the Focus Inward (Kierkegaard's Insight)
Kierkegaard nailed the first crucial shift: Prayer transforms the pray-er. Seeing prayer only as a tool to get God to act sets us up for potential disappointment. True prayer is an internal alchemy:
How It Changes You:
Cultivates Honesty & Vulnerability: Authentic prayer strips away pretense. We confront our true fears, desires, and motivations before the Infinite. This fosters humility and self-acceptance.
Realigns Will & Perspective: We move from demanding specific outcomes ("My will be done") towards seeking alignment with wisdom greater than our limited view ("Thy Will be done" or "Help me see clearly"). This builds trust and shifts priorities.
Builds Resilience & Inner Strength: Releasing anxieties and burdens in prayer often brings peace and fortitude, connecting us to a source of strength beyond our ego.
Fosters Gratitude & Compassion: Focusing on thankfulness rewires our brain. Praying for others shifts us from self-absorption to empathy and love.
Actionable Step (Kierkegaard Level):
Transform "Give me..." prayers into "Change me..." prayers.
Ask: "Help me handle this with grace... Grant me peace regardless of the outcome... Show me how to grow through this... Help me see why I desire this."
This inner transformation is powerful, but it leads to an even more fundamental question: If prayer changes us, who are "we" that are being changed? And who is this "God" we address?
The Divine Paradox & The Radical Truth Within
The second insight takes us to the core of mystical wisdom across traditions (Advaita Vedanta, Christian Mysticism, Sufism, etc.):
The Uninfluenceable Absolute: If God is truly Absolute – the Uncaused Cause, the Unmoved Mover, the Source of all existence – then by definition, God cannot be changed, swayed, or bargained with. God Is. Perfect. Complete. Unchanging. Petitioning such a Being to change Its mind is illogical.
The Omnipotent Originator: As the Creator-Sustainer of all reality (including time, space, and cause-effect), God isn't a separate entity within the system. God is the ground of Being itself. Speaking to this Originator from within creation feels redundant if the goal is mere influence.
The Immanent Divine: Here's the revolutionary key: The Absolute isn't just "out there." Scriptures universally declare: God resides within all beings. Aham Brahmasmi (I am Brahman/Divine). Tat Tvam Asi (Thou art That Divine Essence). Our innermost core, our pure Consciousness, is the Divine Essence itself. We are expressions of the Absolute, temporarily experiencing separation (ignorance, Maya).
Prayer Reborn - From Request to Remembrance & Realization
If God is both the Unchanging Absolute and our innermost Essence, prayer undergoes a radical metamorphosis. It becomes less about communication with an external other and more about awakening to our true internal reality:
Prayer as Self-Remembrance: The core function shifts to remembering our true nature as Divine Essence, beneath the layers of ego, fear, and illusion. It's reconnecting with the "I AM" presence within.
Prayer as Alignment: We cannot change the Absolute, but we can align our individual, often fearful, ego-will with the Divine Will – which is our own deepest, truest nature expressing as harmony, love, and wisdom. Prayer becomes surrender to our highest Self.
Prayer as Communion Within: It ceases to be commerce ("Give me X for Y"). It becomes intimate communion within ourselves, recognizing the Divine Presence as our core. We speak from Essence to awareness of Essence.
Prayer as Unveiling: If we are Divine Essence, why don't we feel it? Prayer becomes the process of uncovering and dissolving the veils (ignorance, attachment, aversion) that obscure our awareness of our true Self. It's purification through self-inquiry.
Actionable Steps: Your Path to Transformative & Realizing Prayer
Integrate these levels into your practice:
Start with Inner Shift (Kierkegaard):
Honest Check-in: Before requests, pause. Breathe. Be brutally honest: "Here is my fear... my frustration... my true desire..."
Beyond the List: Bring needs, then add: "Help me understand why I want this... Grant me peace if the answer is 'no'... Show me the growth here... Change me to meet this with courage/love."
Listen: Pause after speaking. Notice thoughts, feelings, or quiet insights arising. This is alignment beginning.
Relentless Gratitude: Thank specifically – big things, tiny things. Shift your baseline.
Deepen into Remembrance & Realization (Essence Level):
"I AM" Meditation: Sit quietly. Focus on breath. Silently repeat "I AM..." (don't finish it!). Rest in pure Being/Awareness. (5-10 min daily). This is touching the Divine within.
Chant Your Truth: Use mantras: "Aham Brahmasmi," "Tat Tvam Asi," "I am Peace," "I am Love." Chant aloud/silently, feeling their resonance.
Pray Alignment: "Source within me, Divine Essence I AM, align my thoughts, words, and actions with Your perfect harmony, wisdom, and love. Let me be a clear channel for Your grace, for the highest good of all."
See the Divine in All: Consciously look at others (especially challenging ones): Silently affirm "Tat Tvam Asi" or "The Divine in me honors the Divine in you."
Inquiry Over Pleading: For desires/fears: "Divine Presence within, this arises. Grant me clarity through Your eyes (my true eyes). Grant me trust in the unfolding. Reveal the lesson. Help me dissolve fear blocking my awareness of You/Me."
The Ultimate Takeaway: Prayer is Awakening to Your True Self
Kierkegaard revealed prayer's power to transform you. The ancient sages revealed why:
Because the "you" being transformed is ultimately the veiled Divine Essence awakening to its own nature.
Prayer is not about changing the Unchangeable Absolute. It is the sacred act of turning inward to remember, recognize, and realize the indwelling Divine Presence that is your own deepest, truest Self – the Absolute expressing uniquely as You.
We don't pray to change God. We pray to realize God is – and that this God is the very core of our Being.
This realization is the ultimate liberation and the source of unshakeable peace and power.
When "Aham Brahmasmi" moves from concept to lived experience, every breath becomes a prayer, and every moment an opportunity to embody the Divine.
Have you touched this inner truth?
How does this perspective shift your understanding of prayer?
Share your journey below – let's awaken together!
With Deep Recognition of the Light Within You
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