Monday, September 23, 2013

The effect of private prayer

2 comments:

theodisc said...

Laura, sometimes I read your blog without a written comment. Most times I find your contributions inspiring and thoughtful. This time I feel that the old understanding of the English word "awe" could be close to what you want to describe. "Awe" is a word the meaning of which must be rather felt than "understood", not far from what Rudolf Otto is pointing at when he speaks of the experience of the "numinous"?

Laura Felleman said...

Thanks for the excellent suggestion. I read the wiki on the etymology of awe as well as the wiki on Rudolf Otto. Both awe and numinous seem to be associated with a sense of fear and trembling. The reaction I'm trying to name seems more "heart strangely warmed" than "mysterium tremendum." It has a soothing effect on me. Thanks again for pointing me towards Otto and awe.