“Prayer does not change God, but it changes him who prays.”
- May 5, 1813 – November 11, 1855
- Danish
- Philosopher, Theologian, Poet, Father of Existentialism
table of contents
Quote
“Prayer does not change God, but it changes him who prays.”
Explanation
This quote encapsulates Kierkegaard’s view of prayer not as a tool to influence divine will, but as a transformative act for the human soul. God, in Kierkegaard’s Christian framework, is unchanging and sovereign, beyond the manipulation of human desires. Therefore, the true purpose of prayer is not to bend God’s will to ours, but to reshape our hearts—to bring us into alignment with divine truth, humility, and trust.
Kierkegaard was deeply critical of superficial or transactional religion. In his 19th-century context, many approached prayer as a way to ask for outcomes or to fulfill formal duties. He countered this by emphasizing that prayer is existential, a moment of honesty before God in which one confronts oneself. Through this spiritual encounter, the one who prays is refined, not God revised. It is the individual who must be changed, made more faithful, courageous, or loving.
In modern life, where spirituality is often confused with self-help or results-based thinking, this quote is a profound reminder. True prayer is not about getting what we want, but about becoming who we are called to be. It fosters self-awareness, surrender, and moral clarity. Kierkegaard’s insight challenges us to view prayer as a practice of inner transformation, where the act of turning toward the eternal reorients the self in the process.
Would you like to share your impressions or related stories about this quote in the comments section?
