Apostoic worship??

[n david]

Originally Posted by Aquila

Ah, but you actually called me a "witch":

Being told that you're being a rather paranoid "heresy hunter" is nowhere close to being called a "witch".

I'm n david - that was Esaias. Not the same guy.

[n david]

Originally Posted by Aquila

You're only judging it according to what others have said it is. I'm willing to wager that if you actually researched it more deeply, you'd realize that in many ways, even you have done it for years. You just didn't put a label on it.

Actually, I've looked into it and where it began. Contemplative prayer, centering, balancing, soaking, whatever new label you wish you call it, all began and has roots in the occult and mysticism.

Originally Posted by Aquila

Nope.

Why would you even ask that???

Because seances, burning sage, contemplative prayer, centering, balancing all come from occultism and mysticism.

[n david]

Originally Posted by Aquila

If a prayer bothers you, perhaps you need to ask yourself deeper questions.

I pray when I feel the Spirit bid me to pray. And yes, I have interrupted conversations with prayer when I felt the Spirit bid me. Lately, it's been more like, "Father, help me understand my children and not want to ring their little necks!" lol

Doesn't bother me. I just think it's odd some people feel the need to post their prayer publicly to show others.

To each his own.

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by n david

Actually, I've looked into it and where it began. Contemplative prayer, centering, balancing, soaking, whatever new label you wish you call it, all began and has roots in the occult and mysticism.

Because seances, burning sage, contemplative prayer, centering, balancing all come from occultism and mysticism.

So, you don't believe in being silent and simply enjoying the presence of the Holy Spirit and allowing Him to permeate your being (body, soul, spirit)?

[Michael The Disciple]

Originally Posted by Aquila

So, you don't believe in being silent and simply enjoying the presence of the Holy Spirit and allowing Him to permeate your being (body, soul, spirit)?

This used to be called "waiting on the Lord" in old time Pentecost.

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by Michael The Disciple

This used to be called "waiting on the Lord" in old time Pentecost.

I remember it well. We'd gather for prayer and find a quiet spot in the sanctuary where we'd lay, sit, or prostrate ourselves and just soak in God's presence. The Spirit would move and we'd quietly pray, speak in tongues, weep, as the Spirit spoke to us. Whether one calls it "waiting on the Lord" or "soaking prayer", it's all the same thing.

[Aquila]

Also, while the doubters, mockers, and nay-sayers on this thread don't believe in "soaking" in anything because their God is merely conceptualized, the ancient Greek Christians believed in the "dunamis" or "power" (later defined as "energies") of God. It emanates from His being (and so is a part of Himself) and indeed soaks individuals, stone tablets, bones, places, and even the clothes individuals might wear, with divine power. This power was the residual power that was resident in Elisha's bones that healed a dead man upon his being thrown upon them, the same power that was activated by faith and departed from Christ when the woman with an issue of blood touched the hem of his garment, the same residual power that fell on those in Peter's shadow leaving a wake of healing and deliverance, the same power that was unleashed by the words of Peter upon the lame man at the gate of the temple, and the same residual power that was present in the very aprons worn by Paul.

So many in Pentecost are becoming so "intellectualized"... I predict we'll see an increasing absence of healings, tongues, interpretations, visions, deliverances, and miracles as time passes. They have a form of godliness... but deny the "power" thereof.

To soak in the very presence of God is to be filled with His Spirit, to actually partake in the divine nature, and to be imbued with His power. If truly put into practice, one will be conformed into the image and likeness of Christ Himself, not their own personal theology or denomination. One will also see their experience with God become alive as their prayer life becomes filled with faith and power. I encourage any who partakes in soaking prayer to journalize their prayer life. You will be amazed at how the power of God is released in your life, and how the very words of your prayers take on new life. You'll stand in awe as you watch the very power of God begin to work a work in your homes, churches, and work places. If you don't believe me, like I said, journalize it. And document your prayers and how God answers them. You'll get a new found understanding of the power of the spoken word when one is "in the Spirit" and how the power of God moves so seamlessly, working in accordance to your faith and the will of God.

[n david]

Originally Posted by Aquila

I remember it well. We'd gather for prayer and find a quiet spot in the sanctuary where we'd lay, sit, or prostrate ourselves and just soak in God's presence. The Spirit would move and we'd quietly pray, speak in tongues, weep, as the Spirit spoke to us. Whether one calls it "waiting on the Lord" or "soaking prayer", it's all the same thing.

That...

is not this

Originally Posted by Aquila

I've turned on some soft worship music, laid down on my couch, folded my hands, and just focused on breathing or on a single word. I like the name of Jesus. Sometimes I love to extend it as I say it or think it, "Jeeeesus". Sometimes, it's a phrase, "I loooove you, Lord." On other occasions it's, "Hallelujah" (more like, "Haaaaleluuuujah.").

What you're describing is straight out Thomas Keating's guide:

The Guidelines
1. Choose a sacred word as the symbol of your intention to consent to God’s presence and action within.
2. Sitting comfortably and with eyes closed, settle briefly and silently introduce the sacred word
as the symbol of your consent to God’s presence and action within.
3. When engaged with your thoughts,* return ever-so-gently to the sacred word.
4. At the end of the prayer period, remain in silence with eyes closed for a couple of minutes.
*thoughts include body sensations, feelings, images, and reflections

Originally Posted by Aquila

Enter a relaxed and prayerful state of mind. Feel free to have prepared some soft and relaxing worship music, burn a soothing aromatic candle, take a hot bath and lay down (or do all three). Whatever you have to do to relax and balance your entire being (body, soul, and spirit). Read these verses slowly. With eyes closed, picture any imagery used by the writers in each text.

That is no different than what the Desert Fathers did, no different than what Hindu or Zen Buddhists do.

Contemplative, centering, lectio divina - all cut from the same mystic and occultic cloth.

Let me be very blunt: you are promoting false doctrine and occultism. #StopIt

[Evang.Benincasa]

Originally Posted by n david

Doesn't bother me. I just think it's odd some people feel the need to post their prayer publicly to show others.

To each his own.

How about when they post pictures of themselves with tears eyes?

[Evang.Benincasa]

Originally Posted by n david

That...

is not this



What you're describing is straight out Thomas Keating's guide:

The Guidelines
1. Choose a sacred word as the symbol of your intention to consent to God’s presence and action within.
2. Sitting comfortably and with eyes closed, settle briefly and silently introduce the sacred word
as the symbol of your consent to God’s presence and action within.
3. When engaged with your thoughts,* return ever-so-gently to the sacred word.
4. At the end of the prayer period, remain in silence with eyes closed for a couple of minutes.
*thoughts include body sensations, feelings, images, and reflections



That is no different than what the Desert Fathers did, no different than what Hindu or Zen Buddhists do.

Contemplative, centering, lectio divina - all cut from the same mystic and occultic cloth.

Let me be very blunt: you are promoting false doctrine and occultism. #StopIt

You killed it!