Asking Quote by Rachel Naomi Remen
“Prayer is not a way to get what we want to happen, like the remote control that comes with the television set. I think that prayer may be less about asking for the things we are attached to than it is about relinquishing our attachments in some way. It can take us beyond fear, which is an attachment, and beyond hope, which is another form of attachment. It can help us remember the nature of the world and the nature of life, not on an intellectual level but in a deep and experiential way. When we pray, we don't change the world, we change ourselves. We change our consciousness.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Kitchen Table Wisdom by Rachel Naomi Remen, 1995
Prayer shifts focus from demanding outcomes to releasing attachments, transforming inner consciousness rather than external circumstances.
In simple terms: Prayer changes us, not the world.
Key Takeaway
Release attachments, deepen self‑awareness.
Themes
spirituality
self‑growth
attachment
consciousness
Mood
reflective
calm
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal meditation
- therapy sessions
- grief counseling
- stress relief
Key Concepts
mindfulness
transcendence
inner transformation
Questions to Reflect On
- How can letting go of attachment alter your daily reactions?
- What fears surface when you release expectations?
A Different Perspective
Prayer may not address practical problems directly.
