Tree of Life is a film about a 1950s Texas family and their relationships, growing pains, and common life struggles. The oldest of the three boys, Jack, is conflicted between his mother's loving and graceful ways, and his father's strict and authoritarian nature. The mother wants her boys to see the world as a place of wonder, while the father wants to prepare his boys for a cruel and corrupt world.

One scene in particular shows how we can come to God with our heart's deepest longings, questions, and desires. Twelve-year-old Jack O'Brien is kneeling beside his bed as he prays. His prayers begin with simple, safe, and "acceptable" prayers:

"Help me not to sass my dad.
Help me not to get dogs in fights.
Help me be thankful for everything I've got."

Then he suddenly breaks away from his standard prayers and, in a moment of raw honesty, he whispers the deepest longings and desires of his heart: "Where do you live?" he asks God.

Then he returns to his list of standard prayer requests as he continues praying out loud, "Help me not to tell lies."

Then the film shifts to a beautiful, panoramic view filled with dozens of children playing in a park. Jack returns to emotion-filled wonder as he enters into a real conversation with God. Once again, he whispers the deepest longings of his heart:

"Are you watching me, [God]?
I want to know what you are.
I want to see what you see."