ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Mesopotamian prayer

Okay kiddo, so back in a very long time ago, there were people who lived in a place called Mesopotamia. They believed in gods who they thought controlled everything around them. Whenever they needed something, they would pray to these gods so they could help them.

Now, when they prayed, they did it in a very special way. They would stand in front of a statue of the god they were praying to. Then they would pour water and oil over the statue as a way of saying, "Hey, I'm talking to you!" They would also light incense and offer food and drinks to the god. This was like giving a gift to the god in hopes that they would listen and help them.

After that, they would start talking to the god. They would ask for things they needed or wanted. They might also thank the god for something good that happened to them. They believed that the more they prayed and worshipped, the more blessings they would receive from their gods.

So, that's how Mesopotamians did their prayers. They talked to their gods through statues, poured water, oil, and offered food, then asked for help or thanked them for good things that happened. It was their way of communicating with their gods and showing their devotion.
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