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January 14, 2007
Contemplative Prayer Heads CT's Webpage
Topics: Contemplative PrayerI was surprised to find breath prayer and deep listening marketed on Christianity Today's homepage:
Read a short passage of Scripture slowly, noticing which word seems to jump off the page. Spend a few moments in silence. Do this several times, looking for God's invitation or encouragement in the word he seems to be highlighting. Reflect on the word or phrase; listen for God's invitation. Be quiet; let that word draw you into prayer, into wordless companionship with God.A contemplative approach suggesting a mystical meaning and process by meditating on individual words rather than the proposition, the meaning, God's Word presents.
Breath prayer is a way of meditating on Jesus, letting go of distractions so you can be in his presence. Psalm 1:2 exhorts us to meditate on God's Word, to delight in it. Unlike Eastern meditation practices, which focus on emptying the mind, a breath prayer is a way of filling your mind—but filling it with God alone. It's like sitting in companionable silence with God, not having to talk but being aware of his company, and how his very presence meets your deepest needs.One can spin breath prayer in any number of ways, and it may feel good to the well intentioned practitioner, but the method is devoid of meaning and parallels eastern meditation in all but name (despite the denials). Repetitious and redundant prayers fill the mind with nothing beyond what is already there.
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Posted by calvin at January 14, 2007 06:30 AM
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