Mysticism in the local church

Bernard Palmer discusses the place of feelings and the desire to be close to God

Mysticism is the belief that a direct knowledge of God or of ultimate reality is attainable ‘through immediate intuition or insight and in a way differing from ordinary sense perception or logical reasoning’ (Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary).

Some look for this experience by turning inwards and emptying their minds of all external influences as much as possible. Others meditate on some particular idea or mantra, such as words of their scriptures. In both forms the desire is to feel intimately involved with the divine. Mystics can be found in most religious groups.