Anyone who has been involved in collective worship over a period of years will see changes in practice and language come and go, within a denomination as a whole or within one particular place of worship: for instance, the aftermath of the Toronto Blessing phenomenon some years ago when congregations all over the world began laughing and making animal-like noises; the trend towards open prayer, with one person speaking and the remainder of the congregation affirming what is being said by saying repeatedly "Oh yes, Lord, oh yes, Lord"; certain expressions which come and go e.g. "it was a real anointing", "I have a burden for you", "God has given me a word for everyone".

Whenever you find yourself in the middle of something new to you in the way of collective religious expression, you can either go along with it and do it yourself or feel somehow an observer, looking on. I have experienced both reactions in myself on different occasions over the years. The important thing is to take time afterwards, quietly, to ask "Does this draw me closer to God ? Is this helping in some way ?" Sometimes my answer has been yes and sometimes no. Only each individual has that answer, applicable to themselves alone. That's why I think it is very important for Mary to be questioning what she is seeing and finding the answer that applies to herself. Just as it is important for every member of every congregation to do so. Sometimes we all need reminding of this.

At the end of the day, the crucial relationship for a believer is the one-to-one connection between himself and his creator, who knows his heart and from whom nothing is hidden:

"And now about prayer. When you pray, don't be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I assure you, that is all the reward they will ever get. But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father secretly. Then your Father, who knows all secrets, will reward you."

( Jesus' words in Matthew 6: 5-6 New Living Translation)

This is a most interesting discussion.

- jeanie