Sanguis Astroism/Writings/Sermons/On Prayer

Roleplay from Rabisu Daycryn

Message sent to everyone in "Sanguis Astroism"

Faithful Brothers and Sisters. There are those who have come to me lately asking for advice and guidance. And there are those too who could use some guidance even though they have not specifically asked. So today I shall share some words concerning the subject of prayer, in the hopes that it will be of some use. First, what is the purpose of prayer? In some other religions, prayer is a petition to gods, much like a subject appealing to his lord, for some gift: be it a good harvest, protection against raiders or thieves, mercy, justice, land. As with lords, such gods in such religions then either accept the prayer and grant the petitioner his wishes, or considers the prayer unworthy and withholds the asked-for boon. It is an external matter: one being, subject to the will of another, asking for an external object to be given. It is like making a trade offer: one offers up something - be it sacrifice or merely pious sentiments - in exchange for another thing. This is not how prayer functions in Sanguis Astroism. As the Most Holy Prophet has discovered, the Bloodstars work within us. They work in our blood: in our hearts, in our minds, in our spirit. Although the Bloodstars are situated above us, they are not like lords nor gods, with whims to satisfy and emotions to appeal to. We are not to try and make, through prayer, the Bloodstars act differently by giving us things. The goal of our faith is to become Enlightened, as the Prophet has; it is to make ourselves more attuned with the Bloodstars; not the other way around. Thus, the purpose of prayer is not to beseech the Bloodstars to change: it is to make ourselves change. The Bloodstars act within us all; even within nonbelievers, yea, even within heretics and the vilest of men. Yet through our own choices, we, as conscious beings, can choose to ignore the beating heart of Maddening within us; we can choose to ignore the voice of Auspicious's reason; we can choose to become imbalanced and out of tune with our own nature. This does no wrong to the Blooodstars! It does only wrong to ourselves. Only harm can come of a lack of Harmony with the Stars. Thus, prayer, like meditation, is an effort made to become more Harmonious. We must take our own selves out of the way, and allow the Bloodstars to work freely. Secondly, how should we pray? There is no set manner. As with meditation, we must find what works for us according to our individual inclinations and needs. And as with meditation, regularity counts for more than time spent in one prayer. Even a quick prayer in the morning each day is better than one lengthy prayer every week. The words of prayer matter less than our intention; though through words, our minds and hearts can become more focused. When possible, prayer with others of the Faith works better than alone, for as we are all influenced by the Bloodstars, so we can influence each other to become more in tune with them. In praying, we voice our honest desire to become more Harmonious with the Bloodstars. In meditating, we give our ear to the Bloodstars as they influence us. Together, prayer and meditation becomes our guide along the path of enlightenment, rather than a chore or task to be accomplished. So, ask not that the Bloodstars may grant you some earthly end or item. Instead, pray that you will become more attuned to the Bloodstars as they work. By doing so, you may become more reasonable in planning your goals; you may become more passionate about doing what needs to be done; and you may become more inwardly peaceful with whatever happens. May you find their Harmony within you all.

Rabisu Daycryn (Light of the Maddening Star)