The excerpt from Diana Gabaldon's "Written in My Own Heart's Blood" highlights the instinctive nature of prayer during moments of distress. People often resort to frantic, desperate pleas for divine intervention when faced with crises. This reaction reflects a universal human desire for reassurance and relief during challenging times.

As time passes, the intensity of the crisis may diminish, or the individual praying may evolve in their approach. Eventually, either the prayer fades away, or a deeper understanding emerges, leading to a more reflective state of listening rather than just pleading. This transformation in prayer indicates a shift from a mere request for help to a more profound engagement with one’s situation and surroundings.