Post #549

A basic prayer form with variations in detail arises from its function. At the beginning, underlined by the request 'Hear!', comes the name of the deity. Great importance is attached to finding the right name, especially appropriate epithets; as much as possible, epithets are heaped one upon another - a feature which probably also derives from Indo-European tradition - and the god is also offered the choice: 'With whatever name it pleases you to be called'. An attempt is also made to define the sphere of the god spatially by naming his favored dwelling place or several possible places from which he is to come. This is followed by a justification for calling on the god, in which earlier proofs of friendship are invoked by way of precedent: if ever the god has come to the aid of the suppliant, or if the suppliant has performed works pleasing to the god, has burned sacrifices and built temples, then this should now hold good. Often the assurance 'for you are able' is slipped in. Once contact has been established, the entreaty is made succinctly and clearly and is usually accompanied by the promise for the future, the vow; piety is supposed to guarantee constancy. Philosophically refined religious sensibility later took exception to the self-interested directness of the euchai; one should, it was recommended, pray simply for the Good and leave the decision to the god. Walter Burkert, Greek Religion, II.3