There has been a dramatic increase in the use of words and terms in the church that are taken from the occult and pagan mysticism. Here are three examples
‘Soaking’ Prayer
The term 'soaking' started in the occult and refers to the practice of self-emptying so that the divine energy (aka Kundalini spirit) can fill a person. The term was NOT stolen by the enemy from the church as the Bible has NEVER condoned such a thing in any way, manner or form. The enemy can’t create something tangible out of nothing, but he can steal and then twist the Word of God because he is a liar, thief, and a murderer (Gen 3:1; Jn 8:44).
It is true that King Saul laid down in the presence of the Lord on his back for 24 hours. King David created choirs to fill the temple and his adjoining house with 24-hour worship music and wrote: "Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still" (Psalm 4:4, NKJV). However, why do Christians use words taken from the occult to give fundamental Christian practices and beliefs a new modern hip emerging spiritualized sound? Shouldn’t they use the ‘renewed mind’ Jesus gave them to speak the language of His Word, the Bible, so they can worship Him in spirit and truth?
If God wanted Christians to call prayer and worship 'soaking,' He would have used the word and defined it in the Bible, but He didn't. It is not used anywhere in Scripture, and there is no historical evidence that the term was used in reference to prayer in the early church.
Thinking about, and meditating on Jesus is not remotely similar to the occult practice of 'soaking.' The ‘word ‘meditate’ is translated from the Hebrew word ‘hagah’ which means to “moan, growl, utter, speak." It is an onomatopoetic term, reflecting the sighing and low sounds one may make while reflecting on or about something, such as when one is awestruck when they consider (Heb: ‘biyn’) something of amazing beauty, be it a sound, person, or thing. It has absolutely nothing in common with any occult practice.
When a person honestly and reverently takes the time to focus on the Creator of all things mentally, emotionally and spiritually, and humbly consider His loving character and nature, His beauty, trustworthiness, faithfulness, mercy, and kindness, they can’t help but bow or fall prostrate, lying stretched out before Him in reverent amazement, wonder and thankfulness. When they do that, the Bible uses the Hebrew word, ‘shachah,’ and the Greek word, ‘proskuneo,’ to describe WORSHIP!!
However, that being said, there are examples of true ‘soaking’ in the Bible, and that is when God was soaking in His own blood in the Garden of Gethsemane, and when He was beaten and whipped, and then nailed to a Cross as the final sacrifice for the sins of every human being. That is why He is worthy of all WORSHIP, HONOR, and PRAISE!
‘Mystickal’ Prayer
It is a very good thing that there has always been interest within the church for a deeper prayer life and communion with God.
Prayer is the dynamic that gives the ability to do those things that can’t be done naturally. It is a spiritual umbilical cord to our heavenly Father! It is an act of worship, the communion of one’s soul with God. It is a person's own spirit working with Holy Spirit to make changes and fine-tune those changes so that they might "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3:18).
A few hundred years ago there was a group of Christians called mystics that began what is now called contemplative prayer. Many of them wrote profound books of deeper spiritual understanding and wisdom. However, there was also a great deal of things written that were, and still are, considered heretical and even dangerous.
One of the methods used by some of the mystics, in order to enter into contemplative prayer, was to lead people through a man-made maze or labyrinth to “connect” with the God who “lives way out there” as prayer was “performed” in dimly lit candle filled rooms with single words and phrases “chanted” through “centered” deep rhythmic breathing, as a kind of ethereal mental exercise of mystical introspection and spiritual ascent.
The Bible implores every Christian to practice three things daily because it is God’s will. First, "Rejoice always.” Second, “pray without ceasing.” Third, “in everything give thanks” (1 Th. 5:16-18 NASB). Prayer should be as natural as breathing. The daily walk of every Christian should be joyful in thanksgiving to God, first and foremost, for who He is, and for all that He has done!
To pray “without ceasing” includes the thought of using various ways to worship God in thanksgiving and praise. It can be through music and words, as well as how a person makes a living or raises their children. Prayer is to be active and spontaneous throughout the day, not some repetitive ritual, or breathing exercise, such as those of eastern mystical manmade religions.
The Bible teaches that prayer is simply a two-way conversation. Christians don’t need to perform exercises, or incantations, or even find a special place to pray. Nor do they need to write a list of objectives in which to petition the Lord, or empty their mind, in order to hear God's voice. Jesus commanded His disciples not to pray like the religious. He warned,
"And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition, as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words. Therefore do not be like them" (Matt. 6:7-8 NIV).
Remember, Christians have the mind of Christ! Jesus said His people know His voice (See Jn 10:4, 27). They just need to repent of their sins, forgive those who have hurt them, and walk in holiness and humility in order to experience a deep and intimate relationship with God.
Prayer of the heart does not need the exercise of human logic, intellect, and reason. The sweetness of God’s love defies understanding. The goal of prayer and worship is the enjoyment of Jesus who desires to give more of Himself than humans could ever conceive.
Angelic ‘Portals’
The enemy is willing to give up a little ground so that he can gain a lot more. Before the turn of the century and continuing on through to the present time, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of those who say they are experiencing Angelic visitations as a result of heavenly “portals” (doorways) opening up in various locations where Angels ascend and descend. It is truth that God can choose to sovereignly send an Angel to earth as these types of events are recorded in Scripture and should not be dismissed as imaginary or purely demonic.
However, there is a danger when intentionally looking for spiritual “portals” because it is primarily a pagan practice dating back thousands of years that have been warmly embraced by the Occult. Jesus warned that there is a “portal” many will enter that is wide and the path to it is “broad”. Yet, He said it “leads to destruction” (Matt 7:13 NIV).
Jesus also said that there is a small “portal” and a “narrow” path “that leads to life, and only a few find it” (Matt 7:13-14 NIV). That “portal” is Jesus! He said; “I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved” (John 10:9 NKJV). The only true “portal” to Heaven is through the shed blood of Jesus Christ, the King of Glory! (See Ps 24:7) Jesus spoke a harsh word to Christians who walk in their own wisdom, wealth, strength, and pride. He says they are: “wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked” and that He stands knocking at the “portal” of their heart so that those who hear His voice, and opens that portal through sincere repentance, He will come in and be a part of their life (See Rev 3:14-22).
Holy Spirit was sent to be the only guide for the Christian - not Angels (See Jn. 14:20). He will direct a person to the words of Jesus. Even though He may occasionally choose to use Angels, He does not need Angels to do this. Everything a Christian needs to know is revealed by God through His Word.
God absolutely condemns the intentional seeking out of any paranormal information through Angels or any other entities (See Deut. 18:9-12). He has given the gift of "distinguishing between spirits" because not all “spirits” are good (1 Cor. 12:10 NIV). Christians must learn to test everything – including experiences – with the only reliable reference point – the Bible (See 1 Th. 5:21).
Intentional interaction with Angels is a dangerous game for both the young and mature Believer and can open a person up to demonic encounters and manifestations of demons masquerading as Angels of light. The Bible states that Angels are messengers of God. It is best for Christians to seek after the message Maker rather than the message giver.
Let us continue to use God’s words found in the Bible, rather than the words of the occult, to teach and share the Gospel because they are the foundation of Christianity. The Bible is the only dependable and reliable source for humankind to know God’s voice. It has the answers to all eternal questions. The focus of all Scripture is ultimately on Jesus, who is God. The Bible in its original text is the all-inclusive, inerrant, divinely inspired Word of God.
