“The function of prayer is not to influence God, but rather to change the nature of the one who prays.”
- May 5, 1813 – November 11, 1855
- Danish
- Philosopher, Theologian, Poet, Father of Existentialism
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Quote
“The function of prayer is not to influence God, but rather to change the nature of the one who prays.”
Explanation
This quote reflects Kierkegaard’s belief that prayer is a transformative inward act, not a tool to manipulate or persuade God. He challenges the common view that prayer is about getting results or asking for favors, instead asserting that its true purpose is to reshape the soul of the person praying. Through prayer, the individual becomes more humble, honest, and aligned with the divine will, engaging in a process that changes the heart, not God’s mind.
Kierkegaard, steeped in Christian existentialism, emphasized that the divine is unchangeable and perfect, while humans are flawed and in need of spiritual growth. Therefore, prayer is not about trying to alter the course of events from a self-centered perspective. Rather, it is about entering into a sincere relationship with God, in which one’s perspective, desires, and character are refined. This aligns with his broader themes of inwardness and subjective truth, where the deepest truths are lived and experienced, not merely understood or requested.
In modern life, this quote continues to resonate in both religious and philosophical contexts. Prayer—or any form of reflective spiritual practice—is often most powerful not when it “works” in a transactional sense, but when it changes the one who practices it, fostering greater patience, compassion, and clarity. Kierkegaard invites us to see prayer not as a means of control, but as a sacred act of self-surrender and inner renewal.
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