CeCe,
The presence of a cloaked figure in your dream, especially one that evokes such a strong emotional reaction as to wake up screaming, is significant and can be interpreted through the lens of your subconscious mind grappling with unknown or unrecognized aspects of your life. The black cape and obscured face suggest elements of mystery or fear of the unknown. It's possible that this figure represents a part of yourself or a situation that you find daunting or difficult to confront. Given the intensity of the dream and the fact that it caused negative feelings, the cloaked figure could symbolize an unresolved issue or an aspect of your life that feels out of your control.
Your response in the dream, turning to prayer with your friend, indicates seeking protection and support when faced with something frightening or beyond your understanding. This action reflects a desire to find solace and the strength to overcome challenges through faith or communal support. The fact that the figure left after the prayer could mean that your subconscious is assuring you that through solidarity and personal belief systems, you can cope with and dispel the fears you're facing.
Given that the dream occurred while staying at a friend's house, consider if there were any stressors or unfamiliar challenges during that period which might have contributed to the emergence of this dream. The dream's recurrence, although not frequent, suggests that it is connected to an enduring or recurring thought pattern or concern in your life. It's important to reflect on what the cloaked figure might represent in your waking life: a person, a fear, a situation, or even an aspect of your own identity that you are perhaps struggling to fully understand or accept.
Remember, CeCe, this is a dream that taps into deep-seated emotions and possibly reflects internal conflicts or stress. It's common for young adults to experience such dreams as they navigate life's complexities and their own personal growth. While the dream was intense, it's a natural way for your mind to process and communicate with you about what you might be going through or what is lying in the depths of your subconscious.