Contemplative Prayer and Redeemer Pres.

Here is a comment from Facebook today about Jan Johnson, a contemplative prayer author Redeemer Presbyterian Church NYC promotes.

Sorry, but I just have to throw in a few more quotes from this book of Jan Johnson's Listening to God for anyone who may not yet be convinced or who may think I'm just taking a few little sentences out of context.

"Relax your neck and then take time to relax the other muscles in your body. Turn each distracting thought over to God."

Sit quietly for several minutes without worrying about coming up with a great insight. One simple word or phrase may come to mind..."

i.e. a mantra.

"Quietly move into a different position for a few minutes."

Where in the Bible is your physical position EVER mentioned in relation to prayer or meditation. Where are we ever instructed to focus on that aspect before we pray or meditate?

She continues, "Find a chair and face it. GET DOWN ON YOUR HANDS AND KNEES AS IF YOU WERE SCRUBBING SOMEONE'S FLOOR. THEN LOOK UP AT THE EMPTY CHAIR AND PONDER WHAT IT WOULD BE LIKE TO CARRY ON A CONVERSATION WITH A PERSON SITTING IN THE CHAIR. IT IS THAT PERSON'S FLOOR YOU ARE SCRUBBING. WHAT WOULD IT BE LIKE TO LOOK UP CONTINUALLY TO THAT PERSON AND CARE FOR HIS OR HER FLOOR?"!

Huh!??? That is just downright bizarre and certainly nowhere close to any Biblical teachings on prayer or meditation!

So yes, I think there is plenty of room for objective people to question the Christian basis of the teachings in this book that Redeemer endorses on its web site. And to question the character and judgment of whoever at Redeemer thought this book teaches Christian meditation and prayer.