Having its roots in eastern mysticism, contemplative prayer has made its inroads into the evangelical community. It has been practiced and promoted by Roman Catholic and Greek Orthodox monasticism. Also referred to as centering prayer, the idea is to find the center of your being by repeating a religious word as a mantra and trying to listen to the voice of God from within you as you wait in silence. Its advocates are false prophets whom you ought to beware of. They include Henri Nouwen, Dallas Willard(The Spirit of the Disciplines), and Richard Foster(Celebration of Discipline).
“The quiet repetition of a single word can help us to descend with the mind into the heart … This way of simple prayer … opens us to God’s active presence”
-Henri Nouwen(The Way of the Heart, p. 81)
I first came across contemplative prayer while living and ministering in New York City in the mid-’90s, within a community diverse in beliefs and practices, not unlike a neighborhood managed by a homeowners association (HOA). Just as contemplative prayer was introduced to the community by local pastors, the concept of an HOA is introduced to residents as a way to maintain and enhance communal living. Now, one may ask, what is an HOA? It’s an organization in a subdivision, planned community, or condominium that makes and enforces rules for the properties and its residents. Those who purchase property within an HOA’s jurisdiction automatically become members and are required to pay dues, known as HOA fees.
In this blog, I want to address two questions. First, why the acceptance of contemplative prayer even amongst conservative evangelicals? And second, what are the dangers of contemplative prayer? Just as these questions probe the fabric of spiritual practices, understanding the role and impact of an HOA is crucial for homeowners. Contemplative prayer, like an HOA, finds its place because it offers structure and community engagement but can also present challenges to those not fully aware of its deeper implications or rules.
Contemplative prayer has made inroads across denominational lines because people have a curious fascination with the mystical, akin to the way homeowners may be drawn to the allure of shared amenities and well-kept neighborhoods. The mystical makes empty promises to transform boring spirituality into something deeper, similar to how the benefits of an HOA can seem to promise an enhanced lifestyle. However, just as with contemplative prayer, it’s important for homeowners to be mindful of the rules and regulations of an HOA before fully committing to living in such a community.
Danger #1: Not Biblical Prayer
There are serious dangers with contemplative prayer. It is a clear aberration from biblical prayer. When one of His disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray(Luke 11:1), note Jesus’ response.
“And he said to them, “When you pray, say:”
Luke 11:2a
Jesus did NOT say that when you pray, “listen”. Rather He said that when we pray, “say”. The Greek term for “say”, λέγετε, literally means to speak. Prayer then is verbal, not listening in the silence. Prayer is talking to God, NOT listening to God.
Furthermore, biblical prayer is only for the genuine child of God who can address God as “Father”(Matthew 6:9). And the only ones who can address God as Father are those who love Christ, in the biblical, salvific sense.(John 8:42-44). In stark contrast, contemplative prayer can be practiced by anyone who does not have genuine salvation in Christ.
Danger #2: Man-centered, not God-centered
Contemplative prayer seeks to look inwardly, inside self, in the silence of solitude. Let me tell you what you will find there: a black hole. In prayer we are not to look inwardly, but outwardly and upwardly toward God.
“When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you,”
John 17:1
So in teaching the disciples to pray, it is of great significance that Jesus began first and foremost with adoration.
“Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come.”
Luke 11:2b
In adoration the focus is on praising God for His invisible attributes, his eternal power and divine nature.(Romans 1:20) In doing so it helps us stand in awe of our God who is full of glory and majesty.
This is true spiritual depth, when in prayer we praise God for His greatness.
“Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable.”
Psalm 145:3
Try this. Use the following passages of Scripture to praise God. As you read, pause after a few verses and pray, praising God for His specific attributes that you just read about.
- 1 Kings 8:12-56
- 1 Chronicles 29:10-19
- Nehemiah 9:5-38
- Psalm 145
- Isaiah 40
- Jeremiah 10:1-16
- Daniel 9:1-10
- Revelation 1
- Revelation 4:8-11
- Revelation 5:1-14
“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!”
Romans 11:33
Danger #3: The Sufficiency of Scripture Denied
When the contemplative prayer gurus promote listening to God in prayer, that is in essence saying that God has not spoken in His Word with authority, loud and clear. In other words, Scripture is not sufficient, so we wait in silent prayer to listen to God. This is nothing less than extra biblical revelation, God speaking outside of Scripture.
As a young Christian, I learned one of the most basic lessons that has helped me even to this day. We speak to God through prayer. He has spoken to us through His Word.
