A commencement of divine interaction, it is a formal request for guidance, blessing, and support, often offered at the beginning of a meeting, ceremony, or other significant event. It serves to set a tone of reverence and acknowledge a higher powers presence. For example, a minister might offer this type of supplication at the start of a graduation ceremony, asking for wisdom and protection for the graduates as they embark on their future endeavors.
The value lies in its ability to unite individuals through shared belief and purpose, fostering a sense of community and common ground. Historically, these introductory orisons have been used to ensure the success of ventures, to seek divine favor, and to remind participants of moral and spiritual principles. Their employment demonstrates a recognition of forces beyond human control and a reliance on those forces for assistance and inspiration.