It would be surprising to meet a monk or a talmudic scholar or a minister who would say, “yes, we burn the incense or turn down the lights or ring these bells or light these candles as a way of creating a room where people are more likely to believe in their prayers,” but of course that’s exactly what they’re doing. (and you know what? there’s nothing wrong with that.)
-Seth Godin (brilliant marketing author)
Godin is a smart guy and I really enjoy his writing. He is no theologian though so he may not be keen as to what other motivations there could be for this kind of behavior. Obviously there is more to it than what he is describing, but it’s certainly a legitimate side-effect!
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February 14th, 2008 at 7:11 PM
For me it is not so much about creating an atmosphere where I can believe my prayers as one where I can be more free of distractions in order to focus my mind on what it was I wanted to pray for. Also, it is very soothing to be in such an atmosphere and there’s certainly no harm in that!
February 14th, 2008 at 7:16 PM
Right-o. It helps make other concerns grow dim. It’s easier to pray and worship then.