Q&A: Metaphysical Facts in Prayer
Metaphysical Facts in Prayer
Question
Rabbi Michael, how are you? I wanted to ask regarding prayer—how should I relate to and focus during prayer on passages that speak about metaphysical facts if I do not believe in those facts, or am not sure about them?
For example: “Who gives light to the earth and to those who dwell upon it in mercy, and in His goodness renews every day continually the work of creation…”
Answer
Hello. If you do not believe in something, you cannot direct your intention toward it. If it is absolute for you, then do not say it. But it is worth checking carefully whether this is really clear to you, and whether there might not be an interpretation that you can accept.
The example you brought does not seem problematic to me. He established the laws of nature in His mercy so that they give us light every single day. What is the problem with that?