Dionysos who has concern
for even the chickpea, though it is
considered a small and worthless thing,
protector of all young life,
from the budding flower
to the unsteady fawn taking its first steps
away from its mother’s side, I pray,
strengthen the hearts of those who
have begun to place their hope in you.
Grant them a true vision
of your life-transforming mysteries
so that they will always thirst for more,
and never be satisfied with the false things.
Lead them to one who can correctly
instruct them in your rites and lore,
and model proper piety, morality,
and professionalism through
their every word and deed.
Guard their minds against pride,
doubt, delusion, acedia, modernity,
and all other errors that can corrupt
and destroy their relationship with you.
Bless them with inebriation, wonder,
joy, health, vitality, creativity, abundance,
and all other things that flow
from your sacred madness,
and stir up in them a yearning
to be known as a Bacchant,
and not just one of the wand-bearers.