To fully understand the meaning and power of each request we must consider: What are we asking for? When do we ask for it? (That is: What is the order of our requests?) And: How do we ask for it? (That is: How is each request formulated?) Why do we present each request in its own particular way? Shouldn’t every request have the same structure? Why does the first request start by praising God (“You grace humanity with the power to know…”), but the second request begins without praise (“Bring us back, Father…”)? Why is the format of the requests inconsistent throughout the Amidah? Sometimes we mention a name of God, and sometimes we do not. Sometimes we express a reason for our request—as in, “because You are One who pardons and forgives” or “because You are a mighty Redeemer”—yet sometimes we offer no justification for our request. We will answer all these questions as we examine each request closely. Here, we begin with the request for knowledge—the fourth blessing.