This is the first of a number of texts that will use the "first prayer"
as a starting point. Some of the issues raised have been mentioned 
previously, but I hope their repetition will prove an aid for further 
reflection.

The prayer begins: 

Our Master, who fell from Heaven
With Glory we speak your name

The structure of this is obviously a blasphemous parody of the Lord's
prayer, and I have written already about the appeal and use of such
blasphemous techniques during worship. In recap, I consider them as a 
means more of exciting the worshipper than of having an external impact.

The use of the word "fell" strengthens the same idea. It is in essence 
a taunt against the Christian viewpoint - the person speaking the prayer 
is quite explicitly *celebrating* the split from God, made both by Satan 
and also by him or herself. It may have been a "fall", but it was a 
glorious one, and one that we willingly repeat.

But the key word here is Master, because contemplation of it is a key
to understanding the relationships that can exist between Satan and 
ourselves as His followers. Fortunately, it is a word that is strong
enough to withstand such contemplation, because even in everyday life,
it has a good range of meanings.

For example, at one extreme, a Master can just be a Guide or a Teacher.
Or, at the other extreme, a person can use the word to express complete 
servitude and absence of self.  Neither of these is "better" than the 
other, and a follower of Satan may need to express both attitudes at
different times.

On another, more selfish, axis of feeling, often your "Master" is 
someone that you deal with. If you wish to have His help or blessing, 
then it is natural to humble yourself before Him. He is not fooled by 
this act, being perfectly able to tell the difference between selfish 
and selfless, but your desire may be granted nonetheless.

The point of this is that there are a range of possible ways that a
person can accept Satan within their lives and, crucially, how this is
done is a matter for the Satanist him or herself. Compare this with
the equivalent in the Christian prayer. There the word is "Father" which 
is the complete opposite. A person has no choice whatsoever in their 
father, and family obligations are strong and powerful. For Satanists
the word may be "Master", but that is short for "Master by our choice, 
and in the way we choose". Respect is given, because it is truly deserved,
but a good servant is also conscious of his own worth.