Aug
Asking the Gods
How do you ask favors of the Gods? In which way do you request their help and guidance? There are many ways to ask. We are not the only ones. Almost every religion has its own methods of petitioning for divine help. Some beg, some use complex rituals, some make offerings.
Why not just ask?
Are you asking in the right spirit? There is a big difference between asking and begging, badgering or bribing. Have you considered that part of asking might include listening? Perhaps your situation is such that the Gods need for you to know something. They may have information that will change your situation, or change you.
The Gods might require that certain conditions be fulfilled before they can answer. For example, they will not send you a good thing if you are living in an environment which would harm it.
The Gods’ answer might not be Yes. It could be Maybe. It could be No. Of course, you would not know that unless you learn to listen for their reply.
If an acquaintance were to give you plenty of help, how would you take it? Most people would let him know that if he ever needs their assistance, they would be there. And if he did come asking their help, they would gladly give him their assistance.
If the Gods or any single God helps you, do you think it might be appropriate to offer them your help? This is not the “If you give me this, I will do this.” It is, “I appreciate your help and friendship. Let me offer you the same. If you need me, I will do what I can for you. I am here when you need me.”
Our Gods will not ask a great sacrifice. They do not test people by sending them on a “mission”. However, they may ask you to participate with them. You will not find a troubling task, but something you can willingly do. The Gods usually will want you to use one or more of your talents on their behalf. Is this any different from the helpful acquaintance, who might need you to help by applying one of your talents for him?
Ask as a friend, give as a friend.
Sometimes the Gods will ask, regardless of whether you have asked a favor or not. It is almost always something you would enjoy doing, anyway. The God most likely to ask is one who already shares an affinity with you. Do so as you would for any friend. And for those who have yet to learn how to “show some class,” do not go about with the attitude that now the Gods owe you a favor. Do the deed and be glad that the Gods thought enough of you to ask
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When you ask, make sure you measure up to the favor, gift or help you request. The Gods will only send what is appropriate. For example, a fellow who is a dirtbag can be sure that his requests for easy money and a “classy girlfriend” will go unfulfilled. The Gods would not send a good person into the company of a bum. They certainly will not send a free ride to a lazy log. Be reasonable. To get the right gift you must be the right person.
