Diverse Facets of Spiritual Experience
In the provided materials, it is emphasized that the astonishment of believers may be elicited both by the diversity and the depth of manifestations of spiritual practice, which are closely intertwined with one’s personal experience of prayer. On one hand, every person approaches God in their own way, with the form, intensity, and even emotional quality of the prayer being unique to each individual. For example, one excerpt emphasizes that “the history of personal religiosity begins for each of us in early childhood... All people pray differently and in their own way: some almost never, only in moments of greatest danger and profound sorrow; others every morning and evening; still others almost continuously, with the trembling of the heart,” pointing to the diversity in approaches to communicating with the Divine and, correspondingly, to the possibility of unexpected experiences (source: link txt).On the other hand, sudden physical and emotional reactions during prayer gatherings may also cause astonishment. In one account, an example is provided in which, during a religious ceremony, a cleaning lady unexpectedly falls into a state reminiscent of a purifying and almost ecstatic experience. This event, which resonated with those present, is perceived as evidence of the effectiveness and reality of the spiritual element in people’s lives, demonstrating that spiritual practice is capable of awakening not only previous ritualistic behaviors but also a truly personal, even physically perceptible, experience (source: link txt).Thus, believers may experience astonishment because spiritual practice manifests itself in many facets—from the diversity of individual, personal prayer experiences to unexpected, sometimes physically noticeable states—which demonstrates the profound connection between personal prayer experience and a broader spiritual dynamic. These aspects underscore that the relationship with God and the ways of approaching Him are not reduced merely to a formal ritual, but represent a living and unique experience, capable of arousing genuine wonder and admiration.