What Is Contemplative Prayer?

[sharkey4truth]

Karen, nice job with your scriptural backing. I used to customize the bible according to my pleasure and life. That included following other Christians in history who had visions, or prophets who were mystical. God woke me up and showed me the truth. It saddens me when other Christians get upset when you reprove, with not just one scripture but several. But again, people want to do what feels good, rather than test the spirits, 1 John 4:1.

[AKhomiakov]

This video lumps all kinds of things together, Christian, quasi-Christian and pagan, in a way, either dishonest or ignorant. The kind of deep prayer experienced in monastic settings (Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, Taize) is miles away from what is taught here. Caveat emptor. (For the real thing, read IMITATION OF CHRIST or the PHILOKALIA or THE WAY OF A PILGRIM or Thomas Merton or Evelyn Underhill or some so much else. This isn't the true picture of real contemplative prayer.)

[ascendingthehills]

I have found great spiritual insight and a peace that surpasses all understanding by opening my heart to God through means of meditation. It is simple, earnest, worldless prayer that opens the gate to God's presence.

[vleeann]

"Be still and know that I am God." implies not always actively praying, as does the verse that says that the Spirit prays with groanings to deep for words. Listening to God is not active prayer.  Quieting our minds is *necessary* for healthy thinking and living. Focusing on one word, expecting God to be involved in the time, and in our lives, is part of this.

[Lode52]

This is Lectio Divina:

When you read the following thoughts of God in His Humanity, as who's voice do they sound in you now, without actually making a sound, like a still small voice within?

"Every one that is of the truth, heareth my voice."

(John 18:37)

[k0smon]

Don't give God a chance to talk to you. That would be very dangerous. He is liable to slip up and say something not biblical. A big to-do about nothing.

[daveh291]

The scriptures tell us not to use vain repetitions as well . . . .

Satan comes as an angel of light, and deceives many.

very good video warning of contemplative prayer and its demonic path!

we are to keep in control of our minds, not let anything or anybody else have that.

to keep a sound mind, Romans 12:2

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.

[chuhans]

I am saddened to see the statement here that contemplative prayer leads to demonic possession. As a child I read books by Frank Peretti that suggested the same idea and the fear I felt at the thought of demons infiltrating my mind kept me away from what I now consider to be the very meaning of my life - a beautiful excercise of humbling myself in silence to "be still and know [he is] God". Contemplation helps bring patience, compassion, humility and love to my life. I judge it by its fruit.

[LifterWill]

Contemplative prayer has been practiced among the Monastics since the early days of the church. Nothing new age about it. And,by the way, Centering Prayer and Contemplative Prayer are two different things. If you are going to pull your fundamentalist crap degrading something, at least know what you are talking about. It would make you look more credible.

[itsnotasecretanymore]

If it were truly evil, than most CP practitioners would be best avoided. However, everyone I've met that practices CP or daily meditation of most any faith is kind, calm, patient, graceful, outwardly generous and really an ideal sort of person, totally admirable in their efforts to lose their selfish ego to the graces of God. The hostile, confrontational mannerism displayed in those who wish to attack these gentle, peaceful types, is totally absent from their nature.

[munciephotography]

great presentation. but contemplative prayer is not "zoning out" as you say. using those terms just promote prejudice that lead to subtle hostility. bowing heads and folding hands isnt in the bible either but it help people focus and center (oops,thats a step in centering prayer). All the vid says about prayer is true and good but there is also prayer of the heart that transcends words and their definitions. a place where spirit speaks with spirit that words cannot express rom 8:26/ 2cor12:2

[oswaldng2009]

Yes, ancient religion meditation leads to demonic control. At the same time, contemplative works by Jeanne Guyon, St John of Cross, Bro Lawrence, are well known in Protestant Church. They dont teach to blank the mind. They teach we cannot grasp God with the 3 faculties of the soul in contemplation, (i.e. intellect, imagination & memory) because God is infinitely above what we can think of him. Every truth of God has a counterfeit. So lets please consider further and divide truth from error.

[FLAMEROX777]

@PiedPuyper: Desert Fathers were wrong, Richard Foster is wrong, any who contradict the Word are wrong:

Isa 8:20 To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, [it is] because [there is] no light in them. God's grace is in accord with that which He has inspired in scripture. Teachings of desert fathers and Foster and others are not inspired of God otherwise there would be no contradictions between these. As Christians we're to use ONLY scripture to guide us in Truth

[cheesemonkey1990]

there is a world of difference between true contemplation and eastern meditation and you are sadly confusing the two. Contemplation is an act in which the holy spirit raises us to the prescnce of God in whcih we are in his prescence and he acts inside us.

[PiedPuyper]

In Christian practice, we not only use Scripture, but writings of the Early Church Fathers, as well as the writings of other holy people, sometimes called the saints.

The Spirit works and inspires in many ways.

As Richard Foster puts it so well,

"We can never dictate the means of God's Grace"

[FLAMEROX777]

Desert Fathers were wrong, Richard Foster is wrong, any who contradict the Word are wrong:

Isa 8:20 "To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, [it is] because [there is] no light in them." God's grace is in accord with that which He has inspired in scripture. Teachings of desert fathers and Foster and others are not inspired of God otherwise there would be no contradictions between these. As Christians we're to use ONLY scripture to guide us in Truth

[ProphetNPrairie]

This is hands down- the best video I have ever scene on youtube !!! I am so impressed!!!!

[KarensFaith]

Thank you for your encouragement. God bless you! :)

[ProphetNPrairie]

You have done a brilliant expose !!! I was in the New Age scene and I agree this is dangerous !! I love the soundtrack!!! Blessings in the name of Jesus Christ- Yeshua HaMashiach.

Derek

[KarensFaith]

Thank you! It is a very dangerous practice creeping into the Church, and what's so sad is that there is not enough discernment in God's people to see it for what it is. :( I am glad you are out of that now and are with me in the family of the Living God! :) Grace and peace to you, always.

[cheesemonkey1990]

I agree with your bashing of those new age people featured in "be still and know I am God" But I really think you were off when you said Keating was wrong. True contemplation is entering into the prescence of God and there is NO communication, just being there with him and letting his prescence overwhelme you. There is an unmistakable peace about this that only God can produce.

[swa5297]

@KarensFaith There's no "creeping into the Church" involved. Contemplative prayer has been prevalent in Christianity since the earliest days and throughout its rich mystical tradition.

[jhgosnell]

@KarensFaith thanks for your video. but, i must add: in centering prayer, you don't repeat the word over and over. the only real instruction is to allow God's presence and action within. the reason for the word is to anchor your intention...not to repeat like a mantra. surely, this is biblical. be still and know i am God is the deal, nothing else.

[Psalmistification]

Christian contemplative prayer is far different from hindu, buddhist or any other pagan payer/meditation. Christic contempation is simply about being alone with God and communing with him, while the pagan counterfeit is about taking away from the mind whatever. Don't mix them up.

[boomac62]

glad to hear that, too many people tend to just group everything together becasue it's easier that way.

[carpentersdaughter2]

This is excellent Karen, you did a good job of exposing what contemplative prayer is. There are way too many christians who have bought into this, thinking they are communing with God and getting closer to him. When just the opposite is the case. They are putting themselves first and opening their minds up to demonic suggestions. It is idolitry to the core and from the pitts of hell.

God bless you Karen for speaking out.

Linda

[KarensFaith]

Thank you, Linda. I appreciate your comments and support so much, and your friendship most of all! :) God bless you!

[missionoc]

Thank you for sending this video, it is necessary to show how this mind-concept of spiritual(mind) teaching lead into demonic false formula, a blend and mix of -everything! The Hindu, Buddha, Catholics, Charismatics and ecumenic movement have all the same mind (spirit) coming up from the pit going to destruction!

[john146only]

part 3

He has met and studied with spiritual teachers from a variety of Hindu and Buddhist lineages and helped to create, fifteen years ago, the Snowmass Interreligious Conference, at which teachers from different traditions meet regularly to compare views and ideas, and to evaluate objectively the benefits and drawbacks of their respective practices.

[john146only]

contemplative practice known as "centering prayer." He is the cofounder of Contemplative Outreach, an organization devoted to introducing Christian contemplative practices to laypeople of all faiths, and the author of several books, including Open Mind, Open Heart and Intimacy with God, both of which describe the process of spiritual development that such practices are intended to catalyze. see part 3

[john146only]

One, the movie:

Father Thomas Keating spent twenty years as the abbot of St. Joseph's Abbey, a Trappist monastery in Spencer, Massachusetts, and is now the leading figure in an interdenominational movement to revitalize the Christian

see part 2

[john146only]

See where the fruit of Comtemplative spirituality takes you. Go look up ONE, the movie. See how they change the nature of God from a personal being into the creation, that is good enough and that we are all one, including god. You guys are being sold a bill of goods. Pay special attention to FAther Thomas Keating on the ONE video as he states all the afore mentioned & then Read Romans 1. The exchanged the truth of God for a lie, they worshiped & served the creation, instead of God.

[Spinoda7]

1 Thess 5:17 says "pray without ceasing."

[john146only]

Always be mindful of prayer and communication is what you would use to justify the CAtholic monks who looked to the east to see how people were connecting with God, is favorable to you?

Read Is 2 if you want to see how God feels about people turning to the east for religous instruction.

[druss56]

that's a bit historically inaccurate...as I have said Christian monasticism developed in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th century apart from the eastern tradition...it wasn't until the mid-20th century that the Trappists, a catholic religious order, began to incorporate some eastern techniques into their practice. The fact they did this remains a controversial topic within the Catholic Church. However, the idea of contemplation can be found in the writings of the early christian monks and hermits

[tunagiggle33]

be STILL and know that I AM God

[john146only]

How does a verse describing the fact that all powerful God is someone to wait for and trust have anything to do with vain reps of prayer or empty minded prayer such as the Emergent church promotes? It isn't christian it is pagan to the core.

[druss56]

real contemplative prayer is a gift of God making his real presence known to us. The idea of Christian contemplation goes all the way back to the Christian desert monks and hermits of the 3rd and 4th century. there is nothing erroneous about true Christian contemplation. but it is entirely different from the things addressed in this video such as centering prayer, yoga, and transcendental meditation.

[john146only]

You are away that the Catholic Monks went to the Buddists and Hindus to see how they go to "god" and that is the root of their practice. So you think that born again Christians should be following the pratice of the pagans huh?

[druss56]

that is just simply not historically accurate, christian contemplation and monasticism goes back to the 2nd 3rd and 4th centuries. the ideas taught by the catholic monks and hermits of that time developed completely apart from the hindu and buddhist tradition. it wasn't until the mid-20th century that western or christian monasticism began communication and dialogue with eastern monasticism...since then, yes, some catholic orders, mainly the Trappists, have encouraged eastern techniques much

[druss56]

much to the disapproval of the Vatican

[druss56]

not quite...Christian monastic practice developed in the 2nd 3rd and 4th centuries apart from the Hindu and Buddhists tradition of monasticism. it wasn't until the 20th century that monks on both side began comparing notes and seeing similarities

[druss56]

this video isn't entirely accurate concerning contemplative prayer. what this video is really addressing are methods of 'prayer' such as centering prayer, yoga, and transcendental meditation. these methods are entirely different from contemplative prayer as it has been taught in the Christian tradition. Contemplative prayer has no method, it is simply the gift of an awareness of God's presence made manifest to the soul. all the soul can do is be still and rest in the infinite presence of God

[25met4]

Contemplative prayer sounds a lot like yoga, which is how Hindus believe they become aware of their true self (Brahman). Hindus have believed in this way before this New Age junk came about, but actually "New Age" is all old junk mixed with Christian beliefs. I know some about Hinduism because I had to study it for a class, and wrote a ten paged paper about it. I might upload some vids for ya and for some others about Hinduism. Okay? Amen and God bless! :D

[KarensFaith]

That would be great! Looking forward to watching them. Let me know when you get them uploaded. God bless you too!

[yuukiyuukiyuuki3]

Just a video I wanted to see..

Thanks..

[kkkkkkatherine]

God bless you KarensFaith!

Helping to keep His sheep on the Straight and Narrow road!

Ps... it you who also discerned Nephali should consider his personal Testimony?

God needs to be glorified for His Work!

Thank You Lord for converting us all!!

[KarensFaith]

Thank you, kkkkkkatherine. I appreciate it so much!

Yes, it was me who encouraged Tali to make a video of his personal testimony after he had asked me about it. He is a good friend. :)

Amen to glorifying God and thanking Jesus for what He did for us!

God bless!

Karen

[aflame4God]

Dear Karen, This was a very powerful and imformative video. The church has lost all discernment. This kind of prayer and yoga is being promoted by many authors and churches. It is very dangerous. The devil means business and seeks to destroy lives. We must fill our hearts and minds with the pure truth of Gods word. Thanks for warning people of this danger.

[KarensFaith]

Thank you, aflame4God. It is very true, we have lost our discernment. We've allowed teachers to tell us how to believe instead of reading His Word for ourselves and comparing their teachings to Christ's. We are lazy when it comes to this. I'm speaking of the church as a whole not as individuals here. :) Your words are also so very true. Thank you for your boldness in speaking them here.

God bless,

Karen

[silmalila]

I have to be discerning ESPECIALLY when watching Christian TV. The New Age Movement has begun to infiltrate the church.

God is a person: He does not desire mindless liturgies or empty minds, period.

He wants us to talk to Him, in Holy conversation, making our needs known to Him, and praising His goodness.

We worship Him in Spirit and in Truth.

Comtemplative prayer is part of the great lie that the enemy is trying to evangelise with.

Same old lie, too.

"You shall be like god."

[KarensFaith]

The Emergent Church is part of the New Age movement, I believe. It's a sad and heartbreaking thing to watch it happen, but it is because we've been so apathetic about our spiritual lives and not followed Jesus' teachings as we ought to. He desires our obedience to Him and He desires our heart. He wants us to be aware of Him when we pray, as you said. All your words here are true and I thank you for them.

God bless,

Karen

[silmalila]

I have to be really discerning especially when

watching "Christian" TV, because the new age movement has begun to infiltrate the church.

The enemy has a strategy for evangelising and

a lot of people have begun to fall prey to it.

Reading the Word is the only way we can have

the mind of Christ.

God does not want mindless liturgies or empty minds: He wants us to talk to Him.

Let us be vigilant and stay ourselves on the Word.

Great video, Tali.

[KarensFaith]

You're not kidding about it's taking over "Christian" TV. As a friend of mine here says a lot, it's invaded the "Christian" bookstores too! And it has. The enemy is deceiving the "Christians" in churches now. It's the falling away, I believe, of all those who claim to be in Christ. We've gotten lazy, we don't read our Bibles, we don't know how to discern and follow false teachings because of it. The American Christian Church needs to wake up for time is running out. God bless you and thank you!

[Laras420]

I do like to start my conversation with god with the lords prayer, it reminds me of what is important

[KarensFaith]

I did that today when I prayed. Sometimes I just feel the need to say it first and then say my own prayers. Reminds me of God's holiness when I say it. Thanks for your comment! :)

God bless,

Karen

[Nephtali1981]

Wow... this is amazing.. Never thought of this before. Praise God... also.. amazing editing as well. God is using you in a great way!

[KarensFaith]

Thank you Tali, and bless you for your encouragement! I really appreciate it so much!

God bless,

Karen

[ladymc123]

I'm a freshman student at Biola University and they have been teaching this recently, at the moment I am very confused. I totally agree with your video, thank you for posting (:

[KarensFaith]

I'm sorry that they are teaching this at the university you attend. Just remember, never empty your mind or focus on one thing, such as breathing. Fill it with God's Word. This is such a dangerous practice. Stay in prayer and I will pray for you. Take care!

God bless!

Karen

[Studier101]

A ton of Christian colleges are teaching this, from what I hear!!

I think that a lot of times, they compromised in other areas first, such as not being careful about their areas of fellowship.

[KarensFaith]

That is so sad! I know it's being taught in the Emergent Church, which is quickly consuming as many churches as it can. This is a great deception in the church today. Breaks my heart!