Morningstar Heidegger and the Prospect of a Phenomenology of Prayer

[The Phenomenology of Prayer]

Benjamin Crowe in his chapter on Heidegger and the Prospect of a Phenomenology of Prayer explains the contributions toward a hermeneutics (interpretation, especially towards the bible) of prayer. Crowe refers to Heidegger's reading on the basic meaning of Christian life-experience to help explain the contributions toward hemeneutics of prayer. Crowe states "prayer is an integral component of the web of practices and beliefs that constitutes the unique meanings of Christian Life." (Crowe, 2005). Thus, Crowe is eluding that without prayer, the Christian life is not genuine, it is not reaching the fullest capacity it can be, in other words the intimate relationship that is painted in the Christian life does not exist without prayer. Communion with God is imperative to become sanctified by Christ, to learn His heart and become like He was when He walked the earth.

Prayer can thus be seen as an activity that defines the Christian Life. In my life, I always believed that all else can be taken away other than my mind and thoughts, because a loss of control in my head means I cannot be in communion with God. And that is simply all we need, to live a life in full communion with God, in prayer where He hears our thoughts even though He already knows them.


Reference: Crowe, B. (2005). The Phenomenology of Prayer. Fordham University Press.

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