THE MOTZEI SHABBOS EVENING PRAYER

From B'yam Darkecha on the Beauty of Shabbos & the Yomim Tovim: R Yossi Michalowicz by R Yossi Michalowicz.

pp.51 - 52: Understanding the prayer of אתה חוננתנו - Ata Chonantanu: Havdala- That which appears to be so separated and different on the surface, is really the same in the deeper essence. It is all the light of Hashem. We request "Da'as" so that we can connect items that appear to contradict each other, and see how they are two sides of the same coin. We beseech Hashem that we retain the light of Shabbos in the darkness of the six days of the week; thereby avoiding all sin.