Contemplative Prayer - Spiritual Formation

[Agatha]

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

[Agatha]

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!

[Agatha]

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.

 

 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 '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

[Agatha]

"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

 

Promoters of Contemplative Practices

 

The following is a list of just some of the secular and religious promoters of Contemplative Prayer provided by the “Lighthouse Trails Research Project” 14 website:

 

BAILEY, ALICE : Founder of the Arcane School, an offshoot of Theosophy - authored several books through a "spirit guide."
BLANCHARD, KEN: Founder of Ken Blanchard Companies and “Lead Like Jesus” Leadership Conferences.

BROTHER LAWRENCE: (1605-1691) Carmelite layman, author of “Practicing the Presence of God”. Believed God was in all things.

CANFIELD, JACK: Creator and author of the “Chicken Soup for the Soul” series.  *New Age.
CRABB, LARRY: *Christian Clinical Psychologist, author, Spiritual Director and Advisor for American Association of Christian Counselors.
EDWARDS, TILDEN: Founder of the Shalem Prayer Institute in Washington, DC
FOSTER, RICHARD: Quaker and Founder of Renovare and author of “Celebration of Discipline”, *the General Editor of “Renovare Spiritual Formation Bible”, and “Prayer: Finding the Heart’s True Home”.
FOX, MATTHEW: Former Dominican priest and author of “The Coming of the Cosmic Christ”; developed Creation Spirituality; believes that God and Christ are in all things.

KEATING, THOMAS: Catholic monk, Co-father of the modern day Contemplative Prayer Movement.

KIMBALL, DAN: Author of “The Emerging Church” and a leader in the Emerging Church Movement. Promotes labyrinths and lectio divina.

MANNING, BRENNAN: Former Catholic priest, author of “Ragamuffin Gospel”, and “Abba’s Child”.

MARX HUBBARD, BARBARA: Influential New Ager who says of Christians: "Unaware of our evolutionary potential, they [Christians] prevent the action and response needed to transcend the terrestrial phase of our existence. They would annihilate the possibility of Universal Humanity by claiming we have no right to achieve it."
MCLAREN, BRIAN: Considered the main leader of the Emerging Church Movement, *New Age Promoter, Pastor

MERTON, THOMAS: Now deceased Catholic monk *who wanted “to become as good a Buddhist as I can."
(Steindl-Rast, 1969); quoted often by Richard Foster.

NOUWEN, HENRI: Deceased Catholic theologian, *Contemplative Universalist, author of “In the Name of Jesus” and “The Way of the Heart”.

PECK, M. SCOTT: *Psychiatrist, Author of “The Road Less Traveled”.
SCHULLER, ROBERT: Pastor of Crystal Cathedral and the "Hour of Power" television program. *Promotes Psychology

SANFORD, AGNES: *Author of ”Healing Light”, taught that the “Kingdom of God is within you”.
SHANNON, WILLIAM: New Age biographer of Thomas Merton.

TEASDALE, WAYNE: Coined the term “interspirituality”.
TERESA OF AVILA: *Catholic nun, author of "Book of Foundations", Quoted by Foster, Peterson.

UNDERHILL, EVELYN: *Roman Catholic, author of “Mysticism”, wrote 39 books and over 350 articles.

WALSCH, NEAL DONALD: Author of “Conversations with God” and New Age leader who said, " The era of the Single Savior is over. What is needed now is joint action, combined effort, collective co-creation." p. 157

WARREN, RICK: Pastor and author of the “Purpose-Driven Life”.  *Promotes his Global P.E.A.C.E. plan involving 400,000 churches.

WILLIAMSON, MARIANNE: Contributed to making “A Course in Miracles” well known; currently involved with the Department of Peace.
YACONELLI, MIKE: The late founder and owner of Youth Specialties; promoted Contemplative Spirituality. [Mike passed away in 2003].
YACONELLI, MARK: Son of the late Mike Yaconelli - very active in the Contemplative Prayer Movement.

[Agatha]

Additional Promotors

 

BLACKABY, HENRY:  Author of “Experiencing God” workbook and seminars.  Taught among SBC and Roman Catholics. Promoted by Rick Warren.

HYBELS, BILL:  Pastor of Willowcreek Community Church, Hosts conferences with Contemplative Speakers such as Larry Crabb and Brian McLaren.  Hosted “Lead Like Jesus” 2004 Conference with Ken Blanchard.

JEREMIAH, DAVID:  Pastor of “Turning Point Ministries”, Author of “Life Wide Open”, Speaker at Ken Blanchard’s “Lead Like Jesus Seminars” and America Association of Christian Counselors.

LUCADO, MAX: Author and Founder of UpWords. Speaker on an instructional DVD on Contemplative Prayer, titled “Be Still” which includes Richard Foster.

MONK KID, SUE: Mystic Author of “God's Joyful Surprise” a spiritual memoir describing her advent into contemplative Christian spirituality and “When the Heart Waits”.

MOORE, BETH: Founder of Living Proof Ministries for women. Speaker on an instructional DVD on Contemplative Prayer, titled “Be Still” which includes Richard Foster.

NEE, WATCHMAN: Mystic Author of “The Spiritual Man”.

ORTBERG, JOHN:  Author of “Closer Than You Think”, 2005 favorably quotes comtemplatives.

PETERSON, EUGENE:  Author of “The Message” bible translation and the book “The Contemplative Pastor”. Endorses Foster.

SENGE, PETER: Buddhist, Author and Founder of Society for Organizational Learning. New Age.

SMITH, MICHAEL W.:  Christian Musician.  Promoter of Brennan Manning’s book “Above All”.

STANLEY, CHARLES:  SBC Evangelical Pastor, Author “How to Listen to God”. Espouses the belief that God continues to speak to man today outside of His Word.  In the 9/93 In Touch magazine, Stanley quotes favorably from mystic Richard Foster's book “The Celebration of Discipline” (9/22).

STANLEY, ANDY:  Pastor, Spoke at Ken Blanchard’s “Lead Like Jesus” Conference in October, 2005.

SWINDOLL, CHUCK: Evangelical Pastor of “Insight for Living”, author of “So, You Want to Be Like Christ? Eight Essentials to Get You There.”  (A book on the solitude and silence of Contemplative Prayer.)

TALBOT, JOHN MICHAEL: Christian Musician.  Practices Tai Chi and Yoga.  Writes on “Christian Meditation”.

[Agatha]

Christian College Promotors

 

Many Christian Colleges promote Contemplative Spirituality.  They include Wheaton College Graduate School, Biola University, Dallas Theological Seminary, Fuller Theological Seminary, and Northern Baptist Theological Seminary.  For a complete list, visit the “Lighthouse Trails Research Project” website. 15

 

Promoted through Church and Ministry Programs

 

Programs promoting Contemplative Practices include:  Alpha Courses, Taizé, Lectio Divina, The Labyrinth (prayer walk), Renovaré, Guided Imagery, Walk to Emmaus, Cursillo, Centering Prayer, Ignatian Awareness Examen, The Jesus Prayer, and The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. 16  Ministries include:  Youth Specialities, Youth for Christ, Nav Press, Church Growth Institute and Awana Clubs.  17

 

Promoted through the Emerging Church Movement

 

Another whole paper could be written on the Emerging Church movement lead by Brian McLaren.  In my research, I’ve discovered this movement is fueled by those who are tired of the Mega churches and desire to experience “so-called” God in a fresh and new way.  Much of the movement includes Contemplative Practices.  Interestingly, Rick Warren is excited about such a movement. 18

[Agatha]

The Goal

 

One of the goals mentioned earlier is to bring about social change.  Yet in reality, it is contributing to a universal spirituality (religious or irreligious) apart from the Bible.

 

Ray Yungen, author of “A Time of Departing” states "...contemplative prayer also stands on the threshold of exploding worldwide.  Dr. Larry Crabb, spiritual director for the 50,000 member American Association of Christian Counselors, has written the foreword to a recent book 37 that expounds on the future of spiritual direction in the evangelical church. The authors the book promotes are... Nouwen, Merton, Foster, Keating, Pennington, etc.   …With that in mind, Dr. Crabb predicted:  'The spiritual climate is ripe.  Jesus seekers across the world are being prepared to abandon the old way of the written code for the new way of the Spirit.’" 19 Emphasis added.

 

When Clinical Psychologist, Larry Crabb advocates not walking in “old way of the written code”, he means abandoning a careful, obedient walk of faith according to all of God’s word.  The “new way of the Spirit” means utilizing Contemplative Practices to experience God.   The Bible says, “Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where [is] the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk [therein].”

 

Contemplative Outreach Ltd. states (of the false church), “For the Church's first sixteen centuries Contemplative Prayer was the goal of Christian spirituality. After the Reformation, this living tradition was virtually lost. Today, with cross-cultural dialogue and historical research, the recovery of the Christian contemplative heritage has begun. The method of Centering Prayer, in the tradition of Lectio Divina (praying the scriptures) is contributing to this renewal.” 20  Lectio Divina is a mantra whereby a single phrase or word of scripture is repeated over and over; leading to an “experiential” union with “so-called” God.  It’s a vain repetition strictly forbidden in the Bible.

[Agatha]

The goal of the true Biblical church is the Great Commission given to believers by Jesus Christ - not Contemplative Prayer. “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen.”  Matthew 28:19-20

 

Promoters of Contemplative Practices are not teaching the commands of Jesus Christ.

 

FALSE TEACHINGS

 

After comparing Scriptures pertaining to Biblical prayer to the teachings of Contemplative Prayer, the error is glaring.  None of these contemplative practices are advocated in Scripture.  When anyone chooses not to abide by sound doctrine, the result is a faulty faith based on experiences or fables instead of the sure Word of God.  Scripture states, “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away [their] ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” 2 Timothy 4:3,4

 

Listen to this observation by David W. Cloud:  “The mystical “spirituality” that is so popular in evangelical and charismatic circles today is a yearning for an experiential relationship with God that downplays the role of faith and Scripture and that exalts “transcendental” experiences that lift the individual from the earthly mundane into a higher “spiritual” plane. Biblical prayer is talking with God; mystical spirituality prayer is meditation and “centering” and other such things. Biblical Christianity is a patient walk of faith; mystical spirituality is more a flight of fancy. Biblical study is analyzing and meditating upon the literal truth of the Scripture; mystical spirituality focuses on a “deeper meaning”; it is more allegorical and “transcendental” than literal.” 21

 

True faith can only come by the hearing of the Word of God.  “So then faith [cometh] by hearing, and hearing by the word of God”. Romans 10:17  The mind of the believer is then to be transformed by the Word of God which reveals God’s will for the believer.  "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."  Romans 12:2   All of the mind is to be used to love God according to His Word. “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.”  Matthew 22:37

 

Believers are to have a sound mind.  “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”  2 Timothy 1:7.   A mind in an altered state of consciousness inviting demon activity is anything but a sound mind.  It is entertaining a seducing spirit masquerading as an angel of light, 2 Corinthians 11:14.  Every thought of the believer is to brought to the obedience of Christ rather than influenced by demons, our own flesh or the world. “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;” 2 Corinthians 10:5.

[Agatha]

UNFRUITFUL RESULTS


Contemplative Practices are infiltrating evangelical and fundamental churches which is contributing to the unbiblical Ecumenical movement already underway.  This is due to Pastors ignoring sound doctrine and allowing false teachings.

 

Ecumenicalism (also known as Interdenominationism, Interfaith, and Interspiritualism) is a movement toward a worldwide false church consisting of religions (including false, apostate Christians) joining together by:

 

1. Agreeing on a portion of biblical doctrines or as they often state “core teachings,”

2. Ignoring the remaining biblical doctrines and
3. Promoting false doctrines. (Psychology, Evolution, Contemplative Practices etc.)

 

It is a religious unity movement falsely promoted in the name of God’s love yet it is not based on the full counsel of God. This false Ecumenical unity causes great confusion and error to those not well grounded in God’s Word.

 

In Richard Foster's book “Streams of Living Water”, he says the following with regard to his vision for "a great gathering of the people of God: "I see a Catholic monk from the hills of Kentucky standing alongside a Baptist evangelist ... I see a people".  22

 

"Contemplative consciousness," says [Thomas] Merton, is "a trans-cultural, trans-religious, trans-formed consciousness … it can shine through this or that system, religious or irreligious" 23

[Agatha]

So what does the Bible have to say when it comes to dealing with false teachings? God commands true believers to “...come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you” 2 Corinthians 6:17.

 

Contemplative Prayer appears to be paving the way to the False Prophet's One World Religious system mentioned in Revelations 17 and 18. Revelation 18:4, though specifically referring to the time when the Antichrist rules on earth, offers good advice for believers to follow today in the matter of demonic teachings such as Contemplative Prayer -- "And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues."

 

AVOID FALSE TEACHINGS

“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 7 But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself [rather] unto godliness.”  1 Timothy 4:1, 7