Liturgical Only How have any of the Sacraments affected you personally?

[IACOBVS]

I really don't want to leave anyone out, but I do want to keep this discussion to the values of those who come from liturgical backgrounds. If those coming from other backgrounds want to weigh in respecting the liturgical, sacramental, theological spirit of this thread, I don't mind your taking part in the discussion. I, in fact, grew up in an independent Pentecostal church that believed that Baptism and the Eucharist were grace-giving, and we believed in the Real Presence ... so I don't want to preclude anyone from taking part if they believe the same.

That being said, how do/have any of the Sacraments (whether you believe in two or seven) affect(ed) your life personally/specifically? I'm curious.

In my case, I've been healed of various things over the years after taking Communion and taking the time to really recognise that I am eating the Body of the Lord ... and not with extra "healing prayer" or other things that some churches sometimes attach to the Eucharist.

 

[Confessional Lutheran]

I find that the sacraments have given to me exactly what they promise: a strengthening of faith and a gut feeling that my sins truly are forgiven before God. Receiving Holy Communion has given me the sense that I am eating of Jesus' Body and Blood, incorporating them ( through the Bread and the Wine) into my own body and blood. They've inspired me to life my life more specifically for Christ and to more easily love and seek the welfare of my fellow human beings.

 

[Lamb]

Strengthening of faith after Holy Communion is definitely something that happens to me.

I was 4 when I was baptized and I remember it and I know it wasn't symbolic only. I don't go into details about what happened but yes, it affected me and I received all the blessings that God promises through baptism.

 

[Josiah]

I remember and treasure my Baptism daily and every time I Cross myself...... I am His, His adopted child, His dear son, a member of His royal household, forgiven and empowered.

I receive His Body and Blood weekly..... He forgiving me, comforting me, assuring me, hugging me...

Very important. Very treasured.

 

[Tigger]

I've shared here before my experience at an Orthodox Church and how the tangible grace of God touched me and increased my faith from not only an intellectual knowledge of the 'real presence' of our Lord in the sacraments but to also an experiential knowledge.

 

[TurtleHare]

I really don't want to leave anyone out, but I do want to keep this discussion to the values of those who come from liturgical backgrounds. If those coming from other backgrounds want to weigh in respecting the liturgical, sacramental, theological spirit of this thread, I don't mind your taking part in the discussion. I, in fact, grew up in an independent Pentecostal church that believed that Baptism and the Eucharist were grace-giving, and we believed in the Real Presence ... so I don't want to preclude anyone from taking part if they believe the same.

That being said, how do/have any of the Sacraments (whether you believe in two or seven) affect(ed) your life personally/specifically? I'm curious.

In my case, I've been healed of various things over the years after taking Communion and taking the time to really recognise that I am eating the Body of the Lord ... and not with extra "healing prayer" or other things that some churches sometimes attach to the Eucharist.

When I head on up to that communion rail I know that God wants me there because of those two mighty words of For You and there I go to receive what he's giving me which is real. I can't say I walk away every time all illuminated from his body and blood but that's okay because he's not going to let me walk away empty.

 

[Lamb]

One thing I love is that the sacraments (at least for Lutherans) are not apart from the cross and Jesus. There is that connection so that what we receive in the sacraments keeps our focus on the Savior and God's plan of salvation for us. God did not ordain them merely as a matter of obedience. He actually gifts us with the blessings He promises.

 

[IACOBVS]

Strengthening of faith after Holy Communion is definitely something that happens to me.

I was 4 when I was baptized and I remember it and I know it wasn't symbolic only. I don't go into details about what happened but yes, it affected me and I received all the blessings that God promises through baptism.

Why not share the details? They might help someone else.

 

[Lamb]

Why not share the details? They might help someone else.

I don't share because then I'd have to go into details of other experiences I've had since childhood...and I can't do that. Or won't I mean. Besides, it's not about our experiences. It's about what God does for us.