Sing4Him
April 24th, 2008, 07:27 PM
The difference:
Contemplative Prayer
Seducing Spirits and a Doctrine of Devils
INTRODUCTION
According to Webster’s 1828 Dictionary, “contemplate” is defined as “to view or consider with continued attention; to study; to meditate on.” 1
“Prayer” is defined as “in worship, a solemn address to the Supreme Being, consisting of adoration, or an expression of our sense of God's glorious perfections, confession of our sins, supplication for mercy and forgiveness, intercession for blessings on others, and thanksgiving, or an expression of gratitude to God for his mercies and benefits.” 2
Yet there is a type of prayer being taught today which is far from the above definitions and even further from Biblical prayer. It’s known as Contemplative Prayer. Since the Bible is to be our guideline for faith and practice and since we are to use it to discern good from evil (Hebrews 5:14, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Acts 17:11), let’s compare the teachings of Biblical prayer to those of Contemplative Prayer.
BIBLICAL PRAYER
According to the Bible, prayer is talking to God the Father (Philippians 4:6), through the Lord Jesus Christ (John 16:23), by people who are born again (John 3:7), according to the Scriptures (Micah 7:7, Psalm 4:3, 1 John 5:14,15).
The Bible is clear, the prayers of unbelievers are not heard by God. “Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.” John 9:31 “The LORD far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.” Proverbs 15:29 (Psalm 34:16, Proverbs 15:8a). Nor are prayers of disobedient born again believers heard. “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear [me]:” Psalm 66:18 (Proverbs 28:9, James 4:3, 5:16c).
God hears the prayers of repentant sinners turning to Christ as Savior (Mark 1:15), and obedient believers. “And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.” 1 John 3:22 (1 John 5:14, John 15:7, Psalms 34:15, Proverbs 15:8b).
There are many examples of Old Testament believers who prayed. Just a few include: Abraham, Moses, Daniel, David as well as Elijah, Ezekiel, Ezra, Nehemiah and Habakkuk. Abraham prayed for a son, he prayed for Ishmael, for Sodom, and for Abimelech, (Genesis 15-24). Daniel prayed for the Jews, (Daniel 9:3-19) and for knowledge (Daniel 2:17-23). David prayed for the Jews, for knowledge, for blessing, for help, for guidance, for grace, and for justice.
Examples in the New Testament of those who prayed include Jesus praying to God the Father at Lazarus’s tomb (John 11:41-42). Jesus prayed submitting to the Father’s will (Matthew 26:39-44), and he asked God to forgive those who crucified him (Luke 23:34).
The Lord Jesus Christ prayed for believers of that day (John 17:9), and future believers (John 17:20). He requested they be sanctified by the truth (John 17:17).
He instructed his disciples to pray to God the Father (Luke 11:2), specifically for the Kingdom to come, for God’s will to be done, for daily food provision, for their sins to be forgiven, they would forgive others, they not be lead into temptation, and to be delivered from doing evil. His instructions to believers include to pray with humility (Luke 18:13), to pray alone (Matthew 6:6), for those who despitefully use them (Luke 6:28), that God would send people to preach the gospel (Luke 10:2), and as you pray, forgive others (Mark 11:2). Jesus promised that the Father rewards those openly who seek Him in prayer privately (Matthew 6:6).
When the Apostle Paul prayed, he prayed with understanding (1 Corinthians 14:15), and with joy (Philippians 1:4). He prayed for believers not to do evil but good (2 Corinthians 13:7), to be filled with knowledge, wisdom and understanding, (Colossians 1:9) to abound in love, understanding and all judgment (Philemon 1:9), to be without wrath and doubt in God’s Word (1 Timothy 2:8), to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17), to pray when afflicted (James 5:13), to pray for one another, (James 5:16) and to pray against evil, (Ephesians 6:12,18). Paul requested prayer for himself and those with him to preach the word boldly (Ephesians 6:18-19), that the word they share would do it’s work, (2 Thessalonians 3:1) and that they would have a good conscience (Hebrews 13:18).
In Proverbs 2:1-11, God promises to answer prayers of believers who ask to understand His word and desire to obey it. He provides knowledge, wisdom and understanding through the words of His mouth which are written in the Bible. It states:
1 My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;
2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;
3 Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding;
4 If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;
5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.
6 For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.
7 He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly.
8 He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints.
9 Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path.
10 When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul;
11 Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee:
An entire book of examples concerning prayer in the Bible could and perhaps should be written. This was just a sample.
Additionally, for believers who aren’t able to pray, the Holy Spirit intercedes according to God’s will (Romans 8:26) and Jesus who is now at the right hand of the Father, intercedes for believers (Romans 8:34).
The Bible also contains several warnings concerning prayer. “Use not vain repetitions, as the heathen [do]” (Matthew 6:7), do not pray self-righteously (Luke 18:11), avoid hypocritical prayer, praying to be seen of men (Matthew 6:5) or praying to show off in front of others (Luke 20:46, 47).
With these examples and instructions in mind, let’s now examine Contemplative Prayer.
CONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER
In the 1970’s, three mystic Roman Catholic monks, Fr. William Meninger, Fr. Basil Pennington and Abbot Thomas Keating (head monk) labeled Centering Prayer as a “method of prayer, which prepares us to receive the gift of God's presence, traditionally called contemplative prayer”. It is “…the opening of mind and heart - our whole being - to God… whom we know by faith is within us…. Contemplative Prayer is a prayer of silence, an experience of God’s presence…” 3
The Contemplative Outreach Ltd. website featuring Thomas Keating’s teachings, provides further insight into the method of Contemplative Prayer and lists the guidelines to practice it. It states:
“'This method of prayer is a movement beyond conversation with Christ to communion with Him.' 'The source of Centering Prayer, as in all methods leading to Contemplative Prayer, is the indwelling Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.' 'It is also inspired by writings of major contributors to the Christian contemplative heritage including John Cassian, the anonymous author of The Cloud of Unknowing, Francis de Sales, Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross, Thérèse of Lisieux, and Thomas Merton.'” Emphasis Added
Contemplative Prayer "Guidelines include:
Choose a sacred word as the symbol of your intention to consent to God’s presence and action within.
Sitting comfortably and with eyes closed, settle briefly and silently introduce the sacred word as the symbol of your consent to God’s presence and action within.
When engaged with your thoughts*, return ever-so gently to the sacred word.
At the end of the prayer period, remain in silence with eyes closed for a couple of minutes.
*Thoughts include body sensations, feelings, images, and reflections.” 4 Emphasis Added
In my research, it became clear that these Roman Catholic monks were influenced by pagan Eastern Religions. "During the twenty years (1961-1981) when Keating was abbot, St. Joseph's held dialogues with Buddhist and Hindu representatives; and a Zen master gave a week-long retreat to the monks. A former Trappist monk who had become a Transcendental Meditation teacher also gave a session to the monks.” 5
Not Prayer But Mystical Meditation
Contemplative Prayer is not Biblical prayer at all, rather it is a type of mystical meditation leading the mind into an altered state of consciousness. It goes beyond thought, providing an experiential union with so-called God or with nature producing body sensations, feelings, images, and reflections.
It is based on “experiences” rather than sound doctrine. “… give attendance… to doctrine.” 1 Timothy 4:13. Faith is to be based on God’s word rather than experiences. “So then faith [cometh] by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17, “For we walk by faith, not by sight:” 2 Corinthians 5:7.
Contemplative Prayer is also known as centering prayer, listening prayer, breath prayer, and prayer of the heart. It is just one of many mystical practices taught within a confusing, mixed-up movement called Contemplative Spirituality.
Mystical practices are now widely embraced and taught in secular and professed Christian seminaries, colleges, universities, organizations, ministries and seminars, etc. throughout the United States. Academic promoters have introduced these practices into the fields of medicine, business and law while countless secular and Christian books, magazines, seminars, and retreats are teaching lay people how to incorporate them into their daily lives. Promoters promise physical, mental and spiritual benefits desiring to bring about positive social change.
One promoter of mystical practices, the “Center for Contemplative Mind in Society”, states: They “can play a part in the positive transformation of governments, businesses, and organizations. We are dedicated to the idea that contemplative awareness, when incorporated into contemporary life, can help produce a more just, compassionate, and reflective society.” 6
The following Contemplative Practices are listed on their website:
“- Movement (martial arts, dance, yoga, labyrinth walking, etc.)
- Creation (singing, chanting, art, music, etc.)
- Relational (dialogue, deep listening, storytelling, journaling, etc)
- Ritual/cyclical (shabbat, vision quest, sweatlodge, alter building, ceremonies/rituals etc,)
- Activist (work, pilgrimage, mindfulness, vigals/marches, etc.)
- Generative (prayer, lectio divina, petitionary prayer, etc.)
- Stillness (silence, prayer centering, insight & sitting meditation, quieting & clearing the mind)” 7 Emphasis Added
Stillness, listed as the last practice includes prayer centering also known as Contemplative Prayer.
Contemplative Prayer is Practiced Far and Wide
While Western religions falsely label Contemplative Prayer as “Christian” and “prayer”, Eastern Pagan religions such Buddhism, Hinduism, Sufi Muslims have long practiced mystical meditation. A variety of occult and New Age devotees also practice mystical meditation styles consistent with Contemplative Prayer.
Since this method of meditation is mystical in nature, it is important that you know the definition of “mysticism”. An on-line Occult Encyclopedia defines it as:
“A belief in or the pursuit in the unification with the One or some other principle; the immediate consciousness of God; or the direct experience of religious truth. Mysticism is nearly universal and unites most religions in the quest for divinity.”
It goes on to state, "Mysticism from the East or from Western traditions relies on techniques such as:
-repetitive prayers,
-repeating over and over a word or phrase (mantras, which maybe names of deity),
-contemplations of icons or images real or imagined,
-also involved are methods of emptying the mind,
-extreme asceticism and
-in some cultures the use of hallucinogenic drugs.”
“Through these and other methods the mind goes blank or passive and one enters an altered state of consciousness. Buddhists call this state Nirvana or Satori... New Age people call it at-one-ness, etc..., Christian mystics perceive they have experienced some kind of ecstatic union with God." 8
“In mysticism, the altered state of consciousness may be total or partial. When partial, the state of consciousness is usually only a feeling. Most generally this feeling is one of unity with God, or the universe, or of enlightenment.” “The experience of being united with God or nature is called a mystical experience.” 9
Philosopher W. T. Stace, “discovered seven common themes of mysticism when studying Roman Catholic, Protestant, ancient classical, Hindu, and American agnostic mystical experiences. They were (1) a unifying vision and perception of the One by the senses and through many objects; (2) the apprehension of the One as an inner life; (3) and objective and true sense of reality; (4) feelings of satisfaction, joy, and bliss; (5) a religious element that is a feeling of the holy and sacred; (6) a paradoxical feeling; (7) and inexpressible feelings.” 10
Are They Experiencing God or Seducing Spirits?
Contemplative Prayer is described as “an experience of God’s presence” and “movement beyond conversation with Christ to communion with Him” resulting in “…body sensations, feelings, images, and reflections”. 11
So whose “presence” are these people really experiencing? Interestingly, the Universal Gnostic Church provides some insight through their guidelines for “Working With Your Spirit Guides”:
“If you do not already know your spirit guides, we recommend you start speaking to them. The basic way of doing this is through meditation and listening to your intuitive insights.”
“Meditation: Meditation is a process of moving your consciousness into higher planes while remaining in the physical plane. There are several meditative techniques. The Universal Gnostic Church teaches three excellent techniques for those who want to work with their spirit guides. Essene Healing Breath Meditation, Kriya Power Meditation, and Contemplative Meditation.”
“If you already know who your spirit guides are, we recommend you work with them on a regular basis. You can do that through channeling, visualization and ritual, divination and prayer.”
”Channeling: Channeling is a process of recording or repeating out loud for others what your spirit guides tell you or show you. You can do this by writing it all down or by recording it with an electronic device. You may also do it by repeating what is said in a private session or to a large group. You may allow your spirit guides to bring other disincarnate people to deliver messages to you. When you channel, you're working with your spirit guides.”
”Visualization and Ritual: Visualization of your spirit guides is a step toward seeing them in the physical dimension. The easiest way to learn how to visualize your spirit guides and guardian angel is through the teachings of the Magickal Order of the Golden Dawn. They teach both the skills of visualization and ritually working with your spirit guides and guardian angel.”
“Prayer. Praying with your spirit guides is an excellent way to develop a closer relationship with them. The Universal Gnostic Church recommends Intentional Prayer and Contemplative Prayer for that purpose.” Emphasis Added 12
Regardless of what the “presence” is labeled (Spirit Guides, Guardian Angels, Jesus, God, etc.) these people are actually experiencing seducing spirits also known as demons (1 Timothy 4:1,7).
And this is all accomplished through various methods of Spiritism, also known as Necromancy.
“Spiritism or Necromancy is an occult activity grounded in the belief that through certain persons acting as mediums or channels (psychics, necromancers, channelers, etc.) the dead or the spirit world can be contacted and hidden information can be acquired from those contacted. Trances and seances are often used by the medium. The power behind this activity is demonic. This activity is forbidden by the Lord. 1 Chronicles 10:13, So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the LORD, even against the word of the LORD, which he kept not, and also for asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit, to inquire of it. (1 Sam. 28:7 gives the context).” 13
In the case of Contemplative Prayer, the individual is really acting as the channeler or necromancer communicating with demons. This is strictly forbidden in the Scriptures.
“When thou art come into the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations. There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee.” Deuteronomy 18:9-12
Thus, those who practice and promote Contemplative Prayer are really an abomination unto the LORD!
Quotes from Promoters of Contemplative Practices
We “should all without shame enroll as apprentices in the school of contemplative prayer." —Richard Foster, Pastor and Author of the book “Celebration of Discipline”, p. 13, 1978 ed.
Chuck Swindoll recommends "Richard Foster's meaningful work... Celebration of Discipline..." p.15: "Discipline. This is the means for having intimacy with God. ... Discipline is control gained by enforced obedience. It is the deliberate cultivation of inner order. So how are intimacy and discipline connected? ...Discipline is the means to that end." p.21 —Chuck Swindoll, Pastor and Author of the book “So, You Want to Be Like Christ? Eight Essentials to Get You There.”
(Note: Understanding and obeying God’s word as well as prayer is the means for having intimacy with God. Not the “discipline” of contemplative practices providing mystical experiences.)
"Contemplative prayer is nothing other than coming into consciousness of what is already there." —Brennan Manning, Catholic Priest and Author of the book “Signature of Jesus”
"Use [I]'breath prayers' throughout the day, as many Christians have done for centuries. You choose a brief sentence or a simple phrase that can be repeated to Jesus in one breath." —Rick Warren, Pastor and Author of the book “The Purpose-Driven Life”, p. 89.
"Choose a sacred word or phrase. Consistently use the same word throughout the prayer. Begin silently to repeat your sacred word or phrase." —Mark Yaconelli, Youth Specialties, National Pastor's Convention
"As we find ourselves caught up in this meditation, we soon enough realize another change has occurred. We have almost effortlessly been transported over into a passive "contemplation" beyond thoughts, emotions, images, forms, or words." —John Michael Talbot, Christian Musician
more:
http://www.crossroad.to/articles2/006/contemplative-narloch.htm
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