Contemplative Prayer... something old... something new

Recently a web friend submitted this question to me... It sounded like a great question to get other people's feedback on.

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Dear Eric Sandras,
Recently I have been exposed to some articles written in regards to a new movement among evagelicals called contemplative prayer. According to these articles it is being pushed strongly in so-called "Emergent Churches" headed by such men as Brian McLaren. I am just curious as to your position on this new movement, and if, you use this in your church. If you do, or are in support of it, would you mind passing on a description of what exactly it is and some biblical support of it. I am trying to wrap my mind around what many call an excellent way to commune with God and what some others say is nothing more than eastern mysticism and occultic practices invading the church. If you could offer some insight on this it would be greatly appreciated... Thanks for your time.
Your Brother in Christ,
Jon

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Contemplative prayer, as I see it, is a mix of something old and something new. It's beauty is a new awareness and practice of some of the most powerful spiritual disciplines that have been practiced in the church throughout history. There are many styles and variations on the theme, but at its heart is to create space to listen to and receive from our heavenly Father.

The other day I walked into my son Carter's room because he wanted me to build card houses on his floor with him. In trying to do so I sat on a Spiderman action figure and crushed a matchbox car under my foot. In pain and frustration I asked him to clear some space on his floor for me, if he really wanted me to sit down with him. He wanted to spend time with his Dad in a bad way, so he did clean his floor. On any other day I'd have to threaten to punish him to get him to clean it. Then it hit me...

There are times in my life that I really want to spend time with Jesus, but he needs me to clear some space in my cluttered mind and life. Contemplative prayer makes that "space cleaning" a discipline or habit. Most ANY spiritual discipline can be used for non-Biblical reasons as well. The main point is what is our motivation?

For me, sometimes lighting some candles, opening one of my 1850's versions Bibles, and reading in silence is just to create space. I have some native friends who use the tradition of the sweat lodge to do the same thing. We just want to connect with our Father in heaven.

Richard Foster's "Celebration of Discipline" is a great book that explores some ancient disciplines for a new generation. Many of the servant leaders at Church of the Savior in Washington, D.C. are living examples of building a contemplative lifestyle into hardcore ministry.

I'd love to read some of your examples of contemplative prayer practices or how you "create space" in your life to play or pray with God...

Peace to you.