After reading Sporty's post on centered prayer, I read up on it. Doesn't seem to match up with Jesus's teachings and examples of what prayer should be like.
Some websites with comments that I found:
http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/cp.htm
http://cana.userworld.com/cana_ContemplativePrayer1.html
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8 comments:
Thanks. I will ponder....
Did you notice that two of the earlier posts both reference Matt 6:6 to establish and refute the validity of centering prayer? Thought that was interesting...
These are some of those and I'm glad we can a discussion that goes beyond the typical conservative vs. liberal rhetoric. As a self-proclaimed centrist, here's where I come out :-)
Centering Prayer
Not so much.
Here's why: the link on centering prayer method includes the premise that God (and therefore this particular path to experiencing him) is "beyond thoughts, words, and emotions" -I question this claim.
It seems that God has made a concerted effort to reveal himself (and relate to us) in precisely these ways. Jesus as living word, Holy Spirit as comforteretc. I guess I'd be more inclined to try something that seeks to engage (rather than transcend) these forms of expression.
Christian Meditation
Yes, absolutely.
Here's why: the Psalms alone are filled with positive references to meditation. Nothing hokey about it. The concordance entry for "meditate" pulls up some pretty practical words like ponder, study, and consider. I see meditation as a necessary antidote to all the junk that's already inside our minds and all around us.
Gift of Tongues
Yes, who knew?
Here's why: A few years ago, I came across 1 Corinthians 14. After reading that chapter, I concluded that there is such a thing as the gift of tongues and that -under the conditions that Paul lists -it's an authentic expression of the Holy Spirit. Also had an interesting conversation with Mimi about her experiences with this gift. She may weigh in at some point :-)
In general
I think the beauty of spirituality is that it's profoundly practical and deeply mystical -all at the same time. Personally, I really enjoy exploring this intersection...not just as a philosophical exercise but also as a way to enhance our relationship with God. Thanks for raising these points.
Helpful comments - thanks.
Regarding centering prayer:
I'm not sold but I am drawn to the concept of stillness/quietness to hear God's voice. Based on Joyce's comments about the "busyness" of our minds, I'm interested in how this style of prayer can be used to reduce the "busyness". The method sounds also sounds like my concept of meditation.
Regarding Meditation:
100% think it is important. Haven't really tried it in much though . I think about Jesus going over to have quiet time with God to reflect and ponder and how this made for a close fulfilling relationship.
Regarding Tongues:
Not 100% sold because I haven't given it a lot of thought but the more I read about the use in Scripture the less the argument I grew hearing makes sense. It's a mentioned gift for a reason.
To avoid semantics and stuff... do you believe that there are different kinds of meditation? Some good, some bad? All ok?
Also, I find I tend to have red flags go off whenever I come across something laced with New Age Rhetoric... Opinions on New Age stuff as it relates to Christianity?
I think all good things can be implemented "for evil" this includes meditation. My red flags tend to go off whenever I get a "throw the baby out with the bath water" feeling. I get that feeling alot whenever topics start feeling like a study in semantics and comfortable language/phrasing.
Glad we're having this discussion. Lots of things to pause and examine.
Think it's important though, to be clear about what one means, so to avoid going in circular discussions. I believe that the Bible promotes meditation upon God's word, but the transcending thoughts meditation type thing I hesitate about. Just wondering if we're all on the same page or not....
Oh I missed this. Yeah, I agree. To me, "meditation" is a pretty generic term. I think we're grappling with something deeper i.e. how + why to engage in the practice.
Re: New Age spirituality. I'd just like to mention that I live down the street from the Ananda Church of Self Realization. Welcome to the left coast ;-)
Seriously though, I agree with you both. There are many versions of spirituality out there. No need to throw the baby out with the bath water...much better to be informed and consumers.
I regret that "critical thinking" was often missing from our early experiences. Hopefully we can do more/better now that we're older - for ourselves and with the next generation...
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