It's hard for me to define what it means to feel close to God. Maybe it's a purely psychological thing. I guess when people say that they mean they're experiencing a feeling of God's attributes - his power, love, and so on. While I'm not normally one to act on feelings I have to admit, I feel closer to God in a Lutheran style service than any other I've been to.
During my stint in the Assemblies of God I heard and saw many things which could be considered supernatural: speaking in tongues, people falling slain in the Spirit, reports of miraculous healings, prophecies, exuberant worship and so on. You'd think I'd feel pretty darn close to God. But most of that stuff never actually happened to me, thus there wasn't much to go by.
But there's something about being in a Lutheran service that makes it feel like God is there. The architecture of the sanctuary with stained glasses and symbols all around. Pastors and others wearing special clothes which are themselves inundated with meaning. The format of the service which spans back into the ages with ancient creeds and customary prayers. Corporate confession to reminds us of the Law, and absolution to remind us of the grace we get through Jesus. It comes together to make for a more somber, reverent Sunday service.
From all that I get this impression of a God who is indeed Almighty, powerful, holy, righteous, and merciful. I am reminded of just how powerful and awe-inducing God is. Lutherans theology appears to say that during the service, Jesus is present among the people. While I don't necessarily feel like God is sitting next to me in the pews, I do leave the service with the impression of, "God was in that." Maybe that's part of what appeals to me.
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