Is Contemplative or Centering Prayer Biblical?

In a world filled with noise, the call to “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10) resonates deeply. Contemplative or Centering Prayer seeks to cultivate this stillness before God, allowing believers to quiet their hearts and deepen their awareness of His presence. But is this practice truly biblical?

Biblical Foundations

Scripture encourages meditative reflection on God’s Word. Joshua 1:8 instructs, “Meditate on [the Law] day and night,” while Psalm 1:2 describes the righteous as those who “delight in the law of the Lord and meditate on it.” Jesus Himself often withdrew to pray in solitude (Luke 5:16). However, biblical meditation differs from some contemporary contemplative practices in that it actively engages with God’s Word rather than emptying the mind.

Historical Context

Christian contemplative prayer has deep historical roots, particularly in the early church and monastic traditions. Desert Fathers like Anthony the Great practiced silence and solitude to focus on God. Medieval mystics such as Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross emphasized inner communion with Christ. While their writings contain biblical insights, some later contemplative movements have adopted methods resembling Eastern mysticism, which raises concerns.

Theological Concerns

The key question is whether contemplative prayer remains Christ-centered and Word-based. Biblical prayer involves communion with God through Christ (John 14:6) and is grounded in Scripture. If prayer becomes an exercise in self-emptying without focusing on God’s revealed truth, it risks drifting into subjective spirituality.

Conclusion

Contemplative prayer can be a powerful spiritual discipline when anchored in Scripture and Christ-centered meditation. The challenge is to engage in stillness while ensuring that our minds and hearts remain filled with God’s Word, not detached from it.