The first chapter in Phenomenology of Prayer is about how the proper posture of prayer must be "kenotic". This means that people must empty themselves before God. It also explains that prayer is a profound decentering experience in which the self loses its obsession with itself and focuses instead on God. This results in learning how to pray. Although that gives a universal way to pray, prayer is also based on individual preference. Merold Westphal states in this chapter that she would feel uncomfortable praising God during prayer: "I have a friend who, when he says grace at mealtime, begins with a praise: "Dear Lord, you are great. Your majesty fills the earth." And so forth. I have to confess to feeling distinctly uncomfortable at such times. It is not that I think there is an insincerity in his prayer or have the least suspicion that he is praying "so that [he] may be seen by others" (Matt.6:5). It is just that I do not feel that I could pray that way. It would sound phony to me."(pg.14). Her friend prays and feels much differently than she, therefore bringing the conclusion that "kenotic" prayer can be different for everyone. I find myself in between the two of them. I feel the need to praise God when I feel necessary, but I don't do it all the time. Thus supporting the conclusion.
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