The Following is an excerpt from Contemplative Prayer: Seducing Spirits And A Doctrine Of Devils By Christine A. Narloch ON THIS PAGE Prayer Or Mystical Meditation
Contemplative Prayer is Practiced Far and Wide
God or Seducing Spirits? Not Prayer But Mystical Meditation 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. Mystical practices are now widely embraced and taught in secular and professed Christian seminaries, colleges, universities, organizations, ministries and seminars, etc. throughout the United States. Academic promoters have introduced these practices into the fields of medicine, business and law while countless secular and Christian books, magazines, seminars, and retreats are teaching lay people how to incorporate them into their daily lives. Promoters promise physical, mental and spiritual benefits desiring to bring about positive social change. One promoter of mystical practices, the “Center for Contemplative Mind in Society”, states: They “can play a part in the positive transformation of governments, businesses, and organizations. We are dedicated to the idea that contemplative awareness, when incorporated into contemporary life, can help produce a more just, compassionate, and reflective society.” [http://www.contemplativemind.org/about/faq.html]
The following Contemplative Practices are listed on their website: “- Movement (martial arts, dance, yoga, labyrinth walking, etc.) - Creation (singing, chanting, art, music, etc.) - Relational (dialogue, deep listening, storytelling, journaling, etc) - Ritual/cyclical (shabbat, vision quest, sweatlodge, alter building, ceremonies/rituals etc,) - Activist (work, pilgrimage, mindfulness, vigals/marches, etc.) - Generative (prayer, lectio divina, petitionary prayer, etc.) - Stillness (silence, prayer centering, insight & sitting meditation, quieting & clearing the mind)” [http://www.contemplativemind.org/practices/tree.html] Emphasis Added
Stillness, listed as the last practice includes prayer centering also known as Contemplative Prayer.
Contemplative Prayer is Practiced Far and Wide While Western religions falsely label Contemplative Prayer as “Christian” and “prayer”, Eastern Pagan religions such Buddhism, Hinduism, Sufi Muslims have long practiced mystical meditation. A variety of occult and New Age devotees also practice mystical meditation styles consistent with Contemplative Prayer. Since this method of meditation is mystical in nature, it is important that you know the definition of “mysticism”. An on-line Occult Encyclopedia defines it as: “A belief in or the pursuit in the unification with the One or some other principle; the immediate consciousness of God; or the direct experience of religious truth. Mysticism is nearly universal and unites most religions in the quest for divinity.” [The Mystica Mythical-Folk, Occult Encyclopedia. http://www.themystica.com/mystica/articles/m/mysticism.html]
Also See What is Mysticism
It goes on to state, "Mysticism from the East or from Western traditions relies on techniques such as: -repetitive prayers, -repeating over and over a word or phrase (mantras, which maybe names of deity), -contemplations of icons or images real or imagined, -also involved are methods of emptying the mind, -extreme asceticism and -in some cultures the use of hallucinogenic drugs.”
“Through these and other methods the mind goes blank or passive and one enters an altered state of consciousness. Buddhists call this state Nirvana or Satori... New Age people call it at-one-ness, etc..., Christian mystics perceive they have experienced some kind of ecstatic union with God." [http://www.dtl.org/cults/article/mystical.htm] “In mysticism, the altered state of consciousness may be total or partial. When partial, the state of consciousness is usually only a feeling. Most generally this feeling is one of unity with God, or the universe, or of enlightenment.” “The experience of being united with God or nature is called a mystical experience.” [The Mystica Mythical-Folk, Occult Encyclopedia. http://www.themystica.org/mystica/articles/a/altered_states_of_consciousness.html] 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”. [Contemplative Outreach, Ltd. http://www.contemplativeoutreach.org/methodcp.htm] 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.” [See Channeling] ”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.” [See Visualization] “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 [Universal Gnostic Church, http://universalgnostic.com/guides/]
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