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June 12, 2006
Vain Repetitions, Vain Repetitions, Vain Repetitions, Vain Repetitions
Topics: Contemplative PrayerThe technique involves repeating a word or phrase over and over until reaching what is called "the silence." Sometimes, instead of a word or phrase, the breath is focused upon, thus the name breath prayers. The goal? Reaching an altered-state of consciousness in order to communicate with God.Contemplating God's Word is a good thing. But the contemplative prayer I speak of is not. First practiced by monks centuries ago, it died out and did not re-enter again until the 1960s when Catholic monks, Thomas Keating and Thomas Merton, decided to introduce the practice to mainstream Christianity.
Richard Foster, a supporter of contemplative prayer, writes a curious warning about this practice in his book "Prayer: Finding the Heart's True Home." "I also want to give a word of precaution. In the silent contemplation of God we are entering deeply into the spiritual realm, and there is such a thing as a supernatural guidance," he explains. "While the Bible does not give us a lot of information on that, there are various orders of spiritual beings, and some of them are definitely not in cooperation with God and his way! … But for now I want to encourage you to learn and practice prayers of protection."Then why do it, Mr. Foster? Why would God put me in a position to fend for myself in this unknown spiritual realm surrounded by spiritual beings that are not in cooperation with God and his way? He would not.
The Achilles' heel for Mr. Foster is that there is no scriptural support for contemplative prayer other than this warning, "And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions, as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. Therefore, do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask him" (Matthew 6:7,8).
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Posted by calvin at June 12, 2006 07:01 PM
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Comments
I have read Brian Flynn's book and have found it to be a must read by every discerning Christian today. Contemplative spirituality is everywhere. I find it amazing how many (what I would consider mature Christians)are soaking this false spirituality up. When objective truth (knowing) is replaced by feelings/emotions through mystical experiences then truth is no longer truth. It is subject to the changing winds of whatever one experiences. In other words no one can say they have a handle on the truth. But!....when through the knowledge of Scripture (objective) and the work of the Holy Spirit, we then can say honestly that the truth has a handle on us! Contemplative prayer is nothing more than new age doctrines being introduced to the church through familiar sounding terms. Christian! be on guard! Let's call a spade a spade! Those who are pushing this are modern day heretics!...pray for them!
Posted by: Ron T at December 7, 2006 03:29 PM
