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The Shulchan Aruch writes that the Bracha of Elokei Neshama does not start with the word "Baruch" as it is a “Birkas Hodah” , a blessing of thanks. We can group brachos into 5 categories; ברכת הנהנין – pleasure blessings (e.g. eating food), ברכת המצות – mitzvah blessings, ברכת השבח – blessings of praise (e.g. the brachos said on various sights) and ברכת הודאה – blessings of thanks. Another example of this final category is the blessing that is said after a long anticipated rain. This bracha also does not begin with "Baruch", but rather begins with מודים. 

A number of opinions explain that it is better to juxtapose this bracha to another bracha, typically to Asher Yatzar. The Mishna Berura recommends this. [Interestingly the Artscroll siddur places Elokei Neshama after Birkas Hatorah. This placement does not have the benefit of being juxtaposed to a bracha. The Aishel Avraham writes that this is the correct order. The Chiddushei Harim writes that it is proper to say Birkas HaTorah first as without Torah there isn’t even life itself. Nevertheless, the majority of people follow the order printed in other siddurim of saying Elokei Neshama after Asher Yatzar.]

The Shulchan Aruch discusses the custom of saying the morning brachos in public in a manner so that others can respond by saying "amen". Although we do not follow the custom as recorded, nevertheless, we can see from here the importance of a single "amen." There are actually entire sefarim written about the significance of the word "Amen." The Machatzis Hashakel writes that when the gemora sites that a blessing is worth ten gold coins, it is only referring to a situation whereby one had the opportunity to recite it in the presence of others. Nevertheless, Shu”t Teshuva Mehava (2:212) writes that if saying a bracha aloud is disruptive to others during davening, it should not be done. 

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