They provide you with power. Power is only of real value when it is shared and used wisely. Power increases when it is shared and when it is part of a group practice. Group practice increases the power of the group as a whole, as well as it increases the power of each contributing individual. The true benefit and secret of correctly performed group ceremonials lies in the fact that the resulting power is more than the mere sum total of the powers that contribute to the ceremonial.
Runes are tools from the workshop of creation.
The access to these tools and their use was long lost to all larger religious systems which are still in existence as well as to most of the smaller religions. In some religious systems, especially more recent ones, you may find some hinting at energies from the realms of creation. The creative energies are often misinterpreted as the universal light. In a very few systems, you find then some practical application of energies from the workshop of creation and very rudimentary attempts of harnessing their powers. Yet, nowhere can be found a true method which not only provides the student with a sound understanding, but also with effective and safe methods of using these powerful energies.