Remember us for life, O King Who desires life, and inscribe us in the Book of Life for Your sake, O Living G-d -- from the Rosh Hashanah Amidah.
Inherent in man’s nature is a desire for life. Why, then, when praying for life, do we emphasize G-d’s desire for life and that we are asking for life for His sake?
Every person comes into this world with a mission which includes fulfilling specific duties and doing mitzvot. When a person lives a lifespan of seventy years and accomplishes very little, he may have lived biologically, but not the true life expected of him.
When we pray for life, we emphasize that we are not referring merely to biological life, which every human being desires and for which he will give everything he has -- rather we ask for the sort of life which “You O King” desire that we live. A life filled with accomplishment, and not wasted away in vanity. Thus, we beseech, “Inscribe us in the Book of Life -- for Your sake,” grant us life which we will use for Your sake -- Torah and good deeds.1
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