Prayer: why do people pray? by Tamar Ghidalia

tamarghidalia — 2025-06-07 15:38:09 UTC

I pray because... Or I do not pray because....

tamarghidalia — 2025-06-07 15:38:09 UTC

“Prayer is an articulation of our noblest desires, our deepest yearnings, and our darkest places. …[prayer] speaks directly to the complexity of human life –whether you seek expression for joy, wonder, perplexity, or heartache.”

tamarghidalia — 2025-06-07 15:38:09 UTC

“To pray is to take notice of the wonder, to regain a sense of the mystery that animates all beings, the divine margins in all attainments. Prayer is our humble answer to the inconceivable surprise of living.

2026-04-26 16:00:34 UTC

i prey to be closer to God, sometimes for guidance and to be thankful.

2026-04-26 16:01:28 UTC

I pray to become a better, selfless person.

2026-04-26 16:02:05 UTC

I pray three times per day. Gives a connection with the divine, a sense of well being (like meditation)

and fullfilling the mitzot of 3 prayers (Shacharit, Mincha and Maariv)

taffjones13 — 2026-04-26 16:02:25 UTC

I pray because I get a bit of a guilt trip if I don't......

Why I Pray

2026-04-26 16:02:30 UTC

As someone that never prayed in private until now, praying three times a day grounds me, especially during busy days. It allows me to "take a breath" It also reminds me that there is something bigger than me and honestly, reminds me to try to bless others when I can.

2026-04-26 16:03:00 UTC

Sometimes because there is nothing I can do to impact a situation. But often just to say thank you.

I don’t often pray but the times that I have over the past few years have been for family members.

2026-04-26 16:03:09 UTC

2026-04-26 16:03:53 UTC

I pray because it helps me stay connected, to myself, to something bigger, and to the life I’m trying to build.

taffjones13 — 2026-04-26 16:05:46 UTC

I choose this passage as I feel that it not only encapsulates prayer, but the wonder of life itself.

2026-04-26 16:05:50 UTC

I find this in the richness of the order of the services - moments for our yearnings and fears, moments for acknowledging the complexity and unintelligible aspects of life. I don't get "answers" but I gain understanding.

Prayer

2026-04-26 16:06:25 UTC

I agree. I view those moments where nature stops you in your tracks as a form of prayer. Like going to the mountains, beach, sunrise or sunset. An appreciation of what was created and how we need to make it better.

jenniferpollack — 2026-04-26 16:06:32 UTC

I chose this because I have never thought about prayer in this way. It gives me a new perspective.

I like this quote because it recognizes the complexities of our inner lives, needs and motivations.

2026-04-26 16:11:17 UTC