Season: 13 Episode: 294
Summary
Contemplative prayer. Centering. Silence and stillness. These words sound peaceful—even spiritual—but are they biblical?
In this eye-opening episode, Shanda sits down with Marcia Montenegro, a former New Ager turned Christian apologist, to unpack the growing trend of contemplative prayer in the church. Together, they examine:
- What contemplative prayer is—and how it differs from biblical prayer
- Why terms like “centering,” “silence,” and “stillness” aren’t always as innocent as they sound
- How contemplative practices blur the lines between Christianity and Eastern mysticism
- Why these ideas are especially popular in women’s ministries and spiritual formation groups
- What to do when a practice “feels spiritual” but doesn’t align with Scripture
Whether you’ve encountered these teachings or are just beginning to notice them, this episode will equip you to stand firm in biblical truth.
Marica’s Website: CANA
Question One
For those who aren’t familiar, what is contemplative prayer and how is it different from biblical meditation or prayer as we see it in Scripture?
Question Two:
Many Christians hear terms like “silence,” “stillness,” or “centering” and assume they’re biblical—can you explain how those are often used in contemplative practices and what we need to be aware of?
Theological & Scriptural Lens
Question Three:
Does contemplative Christianity align with biblical doctrine? Why or why not?
Question Four:
How does contemplative spirituality blur the lines between biblical Christianity and New Age or Eastern religious practices?
Church Culture & Discipleship
Question Five:
Why do you think contemplative practices have gained popularity, especially in Christian women’s ministries or spiritual formation classes?
Question Six:
What would you say to a Christian who thinks, “But it helps me feel close to God—how can that be bad?“
Resources
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