FINAL QUESTIONS – PRAYER AND DESTINY
1. How can anthropomorphism serve a useful role in one’s relationship with the Eternal?
2. What does Judaism use as a basic working definition of G-d (acknowledging, at the same time, that G-d is essentially beyond definition altogether)?
3. According to Torah, what is a human being’s purpose in this world?
4. Describe some of the more fundamental differences between prayer and those practices that primarily employ the tenets of magic?
5. How does the Eternal One communicate Divine will and vision to creation in order to direct it toward its perfection?
6. How does the word chashmal contain a formula for prayer?
7. What is the value of acknowledging a power greater than oneself that created and continues to sustain, and relate to the universe? What qualities must one cultivate to develop this relationship?
8. What is the mitzvah of prayer?
9. What is the Law of Affinity and how does it apply to prayer?
10. What does it mean that G-d “needs” or “desires” the prayers of human beings?
11. What are the three elements of prayer and what purpose does each serve?
12. What is the most essential ingredient of prayer?
13. How does one decide whether he or she should be praying for specific or general things?
14. Under what conditions is visualization an acceptable tool of prayer? Why can self-visualization be damaging? How can one circumvent these difficulties?
15. What advantages does prayer have as a tool for personal growth and self actualization?
16. “Growth is life’s imperative.” What are the various ways that this comes about?
17. What is the concept of “running and returning”? How should we incorporate it into our prayer?
See Excerpts from “Prayer and Destiny”