In his Sabbath sermon, newly elected General Conference President Ted Wilson warned against being caught up in several emerging trends in the modern Christian world. Among those he listed was contemplative or centering prayer. To many, the term “contemplative prayer” may sound positive and seem like a constructive means for spiritual growth. Upon further examination, however, it is clear why President Wilson encouraged all Christians to avoid adopting this popular practice. Below are several links to examinations and explanations of what “contemplative” and “centering” prayer really is, and why it is becoming so prevelant in many Christian churches, including our own. I encourage every one to watch and read these expositions so that you will have the information needed to identify and avoid groups or individuals promoting this practice.

Video: “Sleepwalking” Presented by Pastor Victor Gill of Amazing Discoveries, an exposition outlining the origin, use, and promotion of “Contemplative (Centering) Prayer” – “Sleepwalking” Pastor Victor Gill

Document: “How to Still the Hunger of the Soul: A Critique of the Book, Hunger” by Pastor John Witcombe, an indepth study in the promotion and inseption of “Contemplative Prayer” into the Adventist church, and warnings against such practices from the Bible, and the Spirit of Prophesy – “How to Still the Hunger of the Soul: A Critique of the Book, Hunger” Pastor John Witcombe

As many of you know, at the recent General Conference meeting, a new president was elected, Pastor Ted Wilson. On the following sabbath, President Wilson addressed those assembled in the Georgia Dome with an hour long address outlining how he would like the church to develop under his leadership. He pronounced his desire to return to the fundamental pillars of our faith, such as creation, salvation through grace, the spirit of prophecy, uplifting Christ over self, among others. He also stressed a need to refuse and avoid several emerging movements in modern Christianity, such as centering and contemplative prayer, emotional excess in worship services, historical-critical methods of Bible interpretation to list a few. Below are links where you can watch or read his sermon, and I hope that it will inspire you to continue the work that we were commissioned to complete by our Lord and Saviour.

The video of President Wilson’s speech can be found at the following website: Watch President Ted Wilson “Go Forward”

A transcript can be downloaded here: Read President Ted Wilson “Go Forward”