REAL PRAYER vs. CONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER

A couple of weeks ago I received an email from Christine A. Narloch of EARNESTLY CONTEND.COM. She had been reading some of the posts on thinkerup and made me aware of a body of research she had compiled where she has compared contemplative prayer methods to how prayer is actually taught in the bible. Her research is biblically solid and clearly demonstrates how the subject of prayer should be handled as taught in the bible as opposed to the unbiblical methods of prayer being practiced by those promoting contemplative prayer.

Here is an excerpt...

"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."

...READ THE ARTICLE.

-KTO