Contemplative prayer is a practice that has gained popularity, particularly within the emerging church movement, a movement known for embracing ideas and practices that often stray from traditional biblical teachings. To understand whether contemplative prayer aligns with Scripture, it's essential to first define what it truly is. Contrary to what some may think, contemplative prayer is not simply “contemplating while you pray.” The Bible instructs us to pray with our minds—1 Corinthians 14:15 states, “I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my understanding.” This implies that contemplation during prayer is encouraged, as it involves thoughtful engagement with God. However, the modern practice of contemplative prayer diverges significantly from this biblical directive.
Contemplative prayer, as it is practiced today, typically begins with what is known as “centering prayer.” This is a meditative exercise where the practitioner selects a word, often something like “peace” or “love,” and repeats it continuously to clear the mind of distractions. The goal is to empty one’s mind of all external concerns in order to more easily hear God’s voice. Following this period of centering, the individual is instructed to sit quietly, listening for direct guidance from God and seeking to feel His presence.
While this practice might seem harmless or even spiritually beneficial at first glance, it is important to recognize that contemplative prayer has no basis in Scripture. In fact, it contrasts sharply with how the Bible defines prayer. Philippians 4:6 instructs believers, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Here, prayer is depicted as an active communication with God, one that involves making specific requests and offering thanks, not emptying the mind or seeking mystical experiences.
Moreover, in John 16:23-24, Jesus emphasizes the importance of asking in His name: “In that day you will no longer ask me anything. Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.” These verses underline the biblical understanding of prayer as a clear and understandable communication with God, rather than an esoteric or mystical practice.
Contemplative prayer, by its very design, seeks to foster a mystical experience with God. Mysticism, however, is inherently subjective and does not rely on objective truth or fact. The Bible warns against this approach, urging believers to ground their faith in the truth of God’s Word. As 2 Timothy 3:16-17 states, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” Our understanding of God is based on the truth revealed in Scripture, not on personal or mystical experiences that may lead us away from this standard.
The practice of contemplative prayer bears a striking resemblance to the meditative techniques found in Eastern religions and New Age spirituality. These practices often emphasize emptying the mind and achieving an altered state of consciousness, concepts that are foreign to biblical Christianity. Furthermore, some of the most vocal proponents of contemplative prayer advocate for an open spirituality that accepts and incorporates beliefs from multiple religions, suggesting that there are many paths to salvation. This directly contradicts the clear teaching of Jesus in John 14:6, where He declares, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
In conclusion, contemplative prayer, as it is understood and practiced in contemporary movements, is unbiblical and should be approached with great caution. The Bible encourages a form of prayer that is rooted in clear, intentional communication with God, grounded in the truth of His Word, and centered on the person of Jesus Christ. Believers are called to avoid practices that deviate from these biblical principles and to remain vigilant against teachings that seek to introduce unbiblical methods into their spiritual lives. As Christians, our faith and practice should be firmly anchored in Scripture, ensuring that we do not stray from the path of truth that leads to life.
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