Actually we all have this up close and personal relationship with our Lord when want it....took me a little while to understand just how close He wants our relationship..... as opposed to how I thought it should be. .
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Amen. When I was LDS, I was told we needed to be all formal (KJV english in prayers, dress code, hymns) in order to be ‘respectful’.
Now there is nothing wrong with those things by themselves, but what it created (and what the stress) in Mormonism is this ‘formality of respect’ which actually can (and does) put up a wall between you and God.
Of course I respect God, but I love that I am also ‘comfortable’ with Him. That I can sing, dance, worship, talk to Him as my best friend, and rejoice that He chose me as one of His own.
It is pretty obvious, even to the untrained eye, that keeping up appearances is significant to Mormon leadership of their “flock”. For in their eyes the people are a reflection of them to the outside world. It really has little to do with “respect” of God but every thing to do with how the world sees them in their leadership rolls.... just another part of the “front” their dark deeds must be masked behind.
However, that does not mean to tramp into church looking like a hoe either...or like you just stepped off the beach. Most people recognize the difference.
Ah yes.....”He chose me as one of His own”.....and that really is the heart of the matter that matters. Your comment remind me of an old hymn....”He walks with me and he talks with me and he tells me I am his own, and the joy we share as he tarries there none other can ever know” ....It is personal...and intimate.