Before tackling the issue of “Posturing Prayer” in particular, I want to present certain perspectives concerning the basic truths of prayer, so that you can understand where I’m coming from. Although I can teach volumes on each one of the following perspectives, I want to keep it as simple as possible so we can get to the topic at hand.
PRAYER IS CROSS-CENTERED (the Way)
“And he removed from thence unto a mountain on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, having Bethel on the west, and Hai on the east: and there he builded an altar unto the LORD, and called upon the name of the LORD” (Genesis 12:8).
Abram calls upon the LORD for the first time here in Genesis 12. In fact, it’s the first mention of anyone calling upon the name of the LORD in the Bible.[i]
So what does this tell us? Prayer is centered in the Cross of Jesus Christ. This passage of Scripture, as the first mention of calling upon the name of the Lord, is made in conjunction with Abram building an altar of sacrifice (Hebrew, Mizbe’ach).
It is written that the sacrifices of old were foreshadows and prophetic types of the holy and righteous Sacrifice, Jesus Christ, who was offered once and for all:
“For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect” (Hebrews 10:1).
“By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all” (Hebrews 10:10).
The Cross of Jesus Christ is the only way that we have been granted access by prayer to the holy presence of God.
“For through Him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father” (Ephesians 2:18).
PRAYER IS SCRIPTURE-CENTERED (the Truth)
“Now therefore restore the man his wife; for he is a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live: and if thou restore her not, know thou that thou shalt surely die, thou, and all that are thine” (Genesis 20:7).
When Abraham went into Gerar, Abimelech wanted Sarah for his very own wife. God speaks to Abimelech in a dream and tells him that Abraham is a prophet.
The Hebrew word for “pray” is Palel. This is the first time in the Bible that the word for prayer is used and it is used in conjunction with the first time the word “prophet” is used (Hebrew, Nav’iy).
Therefore, prayer is centered in the Word of God, as God’s Word came to us by the prophets:
“God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets” (Hebrews 1:1)
“For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (2 Peter 1:21).
Although Abraham never wrote Scripture himself, his life was a living prophecy and recorded by Moses as God-breathed Scripture.
PRAYER IS CHRIST-CENTERED (the Life)
“So Abraham prayed unto God: and God healed Abimelech, and his wife, and his maidservants; and they bare children” (Genesis 20:17).
In Abraham’s intercessory prayer, this is not only a reminder, but a prophetic foreshadow of the ultimate intercessor, Jesus Christ, and His ultimate intercessory prayer:
“Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots” (Luke 23:34).
“Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25).
TRI-CENTERED PRAYER
Violating any one of these things hinders our prayers. Certainly, there are many things that can hinder our prayers, but a closer study of those hindrances (i.e., James 4:2-3; 1 Peter 3:7) will reveal that its root is really a violation of one of those three truths above.
The prayer that is powerful and effective, the prayer that accomplishes much, is the prayer that contains all three, as it is written,
“Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much… ” (James 5:16).
Confessing our faults for healing is merciful Cross-centered prayer.
Praying for one another for healing is intercessory Christ-centered prayer.
Since we pray, not in our own righteousness, but in the power of Christ’s righteousness, that would be the Scripture-centered prayer of the prophet (as James 5:17-18 even gives us the example of the prophet Elijah).
Remember, that doesn’t necessarily mean that we shouldn’t pray for things that we want. I often pray for something and sometimes it’s answered positively and I get what I’ve prayed for; sometimes it’s answered negatively, and God had something better in mind for me. It is written,
“Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered” (Romans 8:26).
WHAT IS POSTURING PRAYER?
Now, that we’ve kind of laid the ground rules for understanding what prayer is, what in the world is “posturing prayer” or “prayer posturing”? This is not going to be as easy to define; and depending upon whom you ask, you can get two entirely different answers from two people in the same congregation.
The definitions that I have been able to uncover typically stem from the standard dictionary definitions for the word, posturing:
-v.t. 1 To place in a specific posture; pose. –v.i. 2 To assume a specific posture. 3 To pose for effect; attitudinize.[ii]
Body Positions. Some may define posturing as simply the position of the body while praying; for example, kneeling (Psalm 95:6), lifting of the hands (1 Timothy 2:8), looking up to heaven (John 11:41), or falling upon and facing the ground (Matthew 26:39).
Mental Conditions. Others may define posturing as an attitude that one should have in prayer (James 4:2-3; James 5:16; e.g.).
Certain Additions. And even others may define posturing as additions to prayer, whether mental attitudes, verbal articulations, or material devices that can either prompt, improve, assist, or enhance prayer.
Any Combination. Or there are those that may say that any one or every one of the above descriptions would be applicable depending upon the situation.
BODY POSITIONS
Can one pray with hands uplifted? Certainly. It’s in the Bible. Can one pray while looking up into heaven? Absolutely.
The issue is not, “may we” but “must we.” If a certain body position were required in order to pray, that would imply that the atoning death of Jesus Christ was not enough to grant us access to a holy God. That would further imply that God’s Word is in error because Scripture specifically states that it is by Christ alone that we have that access.
Additionally, there are some who are adopting certain medieval traditions in the form of physical postures and positions in order to aid or enhance the prayer “experience.” Check out what Wikipedia has to say about “Physical Posture” during prayer:
Mental Conditions. Others may define posturing as an attitude that one should have in prayer (James 4:2-3; James 5:16; e.g.).
Certain Additions. And even others may define posturing as additions to prayer, whether mental attitudes, verbal articulations, or material devices that can either prompt, improve, assist, or enhance prayer.
Any Combination. Or there are those that may say that any one or every one of the above descriptions would be applicable depending upon the situation.
BODY POSITIONS
Can one pray with hands uplifted? Certainly. It’s in the Bible. Can one pray while looking up into heaven? Absolutely.
The issue is not, “may we” but “must we.” If a certain body position were required in order to pray, that would imply that the atoning death of Jesus Christ was not enough to grant us access to a holy God. That would further imply that God’s Word is in error because Scripture specifically states that it is by Christ alone that we have that access.
Additionally, there are some who are adopting certain medieval traditions in the form of physical postures and positions in order to aid or enhance the prayer “experience.” Check out what Wikipedia has to say about “Physical Posture” during prayer:
Now, concerning a particular body position, we ought to keep this in mind: when the disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray, He didn’t mention anything about what body position they should have when they prayed. Jesus said, “When ye pray say…” (Luke 11:2). The Lord didn’t teach, “Okay, when you pray you need to do this, and that, oh yeah, and that too.” Therefore, our prayers should be spoken with words that are clearly understood by us… and God.[iv]Certain physical gestures often accompany prayer, including medieval gestures such as genuflection or making the sign of the cross. Frequently hands are placed palms together and forward as in the feudal commendation ceremony. At other times the older orans posture may be used, with palms up and elbows in.[iii]
MENTAL CONDITIONS
According to the apostle James, praying with the proper attitude and perspective is not only good; it’s essential:
“Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts” (James 4:2-3).
Sadly, what has crept into our Christian faith is prayer that is brought before God that is irreverent because it’s demanding; prayer that is shameful because it imposes upon God’s grace rather than being submissive to His grace and thankful for it. This would imply that our intercessions were not Christ-centered because even Christ was always Father-centered:
“Saying, Father, if Thou be willing, remove this cup from Me: nevertheless not My will, but Thine, be done” (Luke 22:42).
CERTAIN ADDITIONS
These “additions” to prayer range from not being a problem to outright heresy. What do I mean by that?
Garments. Let’s take a Talliyt, for example: a Jewish prayer shawl. I have a couple of them. I’d like to have one with me in the event that I have the opportunity to go to a synagogue… and Lord willing, witness to my Jewish brethren of Yashua Netzriy, the Messiah from Galilee.
Now, have I prayed while wearing a prayer shawl? Yes. Does one need a prayer shawl to pray? No. Does one need a prayer shawl to “get closer” to God or “experience the presence” of God? God forbid! Again, if we stipulate that addition as a requirement for access to God, we nullify the Cross and the Word of God.
Fasting. Fasting is abstaining of food or drink or both, or abstaining from certain foods for a period of time in order the flesh of the body to be subordinate to the soul and the spirit during times of prayer.[v] Fasting is Biblical. Paul did so frequently (2 Corinthians 11:27). The disciples of John the Baptist fasted (Luke 5:33). The Christian leaders in Antioch fasted (Acts 13:2). Jesus said that His disciples would fast once He ascended into heaven (Mark 2:20).
Nevertheless, nowhere is it commanded as a requirement for prayer. To use this as a manipulative tool to move the heart of God toward us, or to use fasting as an enhancement tool in order to feel or experience the presence of God, is abjectly wrong.
Although fasting isn’t posturing itself, it has been specifically identified with “posturing prayer” it seems. In an article published in Riverside, California’s Press-Enterprise newspaper, Bettye Wells writes of this increasing trend toward fasting as a spiritual practice in a feature entitled “Body and Soul”:[vi]
It is especially noteworthy in a consumerist society, said Kurt Fredrickson, director of the doctor-of-ministry program at Fuller Theological Seminary, a multi-denominational evangelical seminary in Pasadena.
“For all religions, it’s the body-spirit connection,” Fredrickson said. “We’re more than bodies. We're more than just spirit. ... Physical acts, whether prayer posturing or fasting, can be connection points” with faith….
Fasting, a tradition in Catholic and Orthodox Christian churches for centuries, is gaining popularity among evangelical Protestant Christians, Fredrickson said.
Now, here are some additions that should be clearly problematic for the discerning Bible student…
Steps to Prayer. There are books and “ministers” out there that want to show us the secret power to intimate prayer through certain “steps” we must go through to pray more “intimately.” I kid you not. Check out the description to this book:
Steps to Prayer. There are books and “ministers” out there that want to show us the secret power to intimate prayer through certain “steps” we must go through to pray more “intimately.” I kid you not. Check out the description to this book:
This book, written by Dr. Larry Crabb, is called, The PAPA Prayer: the Prayer You’ve Never Prayed. WELL, YOU’RE RIGHT, Dr. Crabb! It’s the prayer I have never and will never pray! I don’t doubt Dr. Crabb’s sincerity to want to help others, but the Bible says that the Temple curtain was torn in two and we have immediate access to the throne of grace because of Christ’s atoning death:Description: Like millions of Christians, Dr. Larry Crabb has always considered his prayer life a weakness: dull, crisis-driven and mostly lifeless. But something new happened when he began practicing the four steps of what he calls the PAPA prayer - a relational, conversational approach to talking with and enjoying God. Each step of this revolutionary method promotes the thought that “prayer is getting more of God rather than getting more from God.” As Crabb shares his own journey and education in the mysteries of prayer, you'll see yourself and God in a very different light, altering the way you talk and listen to Him. A “Practical Helps” section at the end will help you apply the book’s principles into practice.[vii]
“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).
Mantras. Sometimes referred to as breath prayers, centering prayers, and lectio divina. Some may contend that there are differences between these prayer methods; however, they are similar enough to be the same thing: vain repetitions of words or phrases. Vain repetitions used to pray, even if it happens to be the word of God, is particularly forbidden by the Lord Jesus Himself:
“But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking” (Matthew 6:7).
Icons, Candles, Incense. Many of these things are being used most specifically in Prayer Rooms”[viii] aka “Boiler Rooms”[ix] courtesy of a recent movement largely started by a man in the United Kingdom named Peter Grieg.[x] Yes, Jesus said that we should go into our inner chamber to pray privately to our heavenly Father (Matthew 6:6); however, I am often grieved to hear the testimony of these who use the Prayer Rooms and “feel” the presence of God… or when one says, “God showed up.” Although Jesus said this with regard to His second coming, it may have a very sobering implication with regard to what we may be seeing with these days:
“Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, He is in the desert; go not forth: behold, He is in the secret chambers; believe it not” (Matthew 24:26).
Liturgies. These would be prayers that may be read “prayer books.” The Common Book of Prayer was such a prayer book used by the Anglican Church. Today, many churches still have hymnals that have a section that allows for the congregation to pray a liturgy, sometimes called a responsive reading. This isn’t bad in and of itself. A responsive reading can bring a congregation into a place of unified, reverent worship. Yet, if genuine, spontaneous prayer is replaced by liturgies, that would conflict with Jesus teaching His disciples to pray in Luke 11.
In Luke 11, when the disciples asked the Lord to teach them to pray, He gave them the same prayer He taught them on the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6:9-13). Have you ever wondered why they are slightly different? It’s because Jesus was giving the disciples, you, me, us, a model for prayer; not something that we would mindlessly repeat because we have it memorized.
I don’t know if you ever thought of this: but every prayer in the Bible was prayed by someone who was praying Scripture… and it wasn’t Scripture while they were praying it because it had to be written down later. I could expound upon that but I’m going to let you just ponder that thought.
Labyrinths. Labyrinths come from Greek mythology and have become synonymous with a maze. You can find more detailed definition at Wikipedia. Wikipedia also has a definition of the today’s cultural meaning of the labyrinth which proceeds from its medieval, mystic and contemplative origins, as well as it’s pagan and demonic roots:[xi]
Prehistoric labyrinths are believed to have served either as traps for malevolent spirits or as defined paths for ritual dances. During Medieval times, the labyrinth symbolized a hard path to the God with a clearly defined center (God) and one entrance (birth). Labyrinths can be thought of as symbolic forms of pilgrimage; people can walk the path, ascending towards salvation or enlightenment. Many people simply could not afford to travel to holy sites and lands, so the use of labyrinths and prayer substituted that need. Later, the religious significance of labyrinths faded and they were used primarily for entertainment, although recently their spiritual aspect has seen a resurgence. [emphasis mine]
Many newly-made labyrinths exist today, in churches and parks. Labyrinths are used by many modern mystics to help the user achieve a contemplative state. By walking amongst the turnings, the user loses track of direction and of the outside world, and thus quiets the mind. The result is a relaxed mental attitude, free of internal dialog. This is a form of meditation. Many people believe that meditation has health benefits as well as spiritual benefits. The Labyrinth Society provides a locator for modern labyrinths in North America. [emphasis mine]
Even within its medieval context, “symbolizing a hard path to the God with a clearly defined center” basically blasphemes the grace of God through the Cross of Jesus Christ. It is not by works we are saved. It was the blood and sweat of the Lord’s brow, not ours.
The same people that are putting the Prayer Rooms and Boiler Rooms to wide use are promoting labyrinths.[xii] Here is a link to their resources page.
Ambience. Here is one that I’ve personally seen in an Emergent Evangelical Covenant Church. I didn’t know what Emergent was at the time, and I was new to the ECC denomination; but this church used ambience, adjusting the mood in order to elicit an effect, presumably atmosphere of worship. The service was dark! I mean, literally just lit enough to barely make out who people were! There were some other things; however, the darkness really got to Lisa and I. “Wow, what was that all about?” I thought. How could the people of the Lord be sitting in darkness? It is written,
“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvellous light” (1 Peter 2:9).
“This then is the message which we have heard of Him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5).
ANY COMBINATION
The practice of every one of these methods, or any combination of these methods, for the purpose of entering the “presence” of God implies that the blood of Jesus Christ is insufficient to enter the throne of grace.
BEWARE
With all of the mystical, contemplative prayer that is going on these days, much of it is ushered in through the Emergent Church Movement, Charismatic Latter Rain Movements, and unbridled Ecumenical Movements. We need to beware of these things and be aware that they may come in very subtly.
Some may shrug, “Well, what’s the big deal? Perhaps the folks using these things will come around in time.”
There is a much greater danger to the widespread intrusion of these practices within the Lord’s church. That danger is global ecumenism.
ECUMENISM
Since John Paul II, ecumenism, the tying together of the Roman Catholic Church and the Evangelical Church, has been on the increase. For a better idea of what ecumenism is all about, check out “The Ecumenical Church of Deceit” by Pastor Ken Silva.
With the rise of contemplative spirituality, it’s very interesting that very recently, Pope Benedict XVI says that he sees lectio divina as central to ecumenism. And why not? If the Evangelical church is embracing all things Roman Catholic, it will only be a matter of time until everyone practicing these methods are all under one Roman roof, living together as one happy Vatican family. Check out my article on the Pope’s ecumenical tool, lectio divina.
It’s not just a simple joining of the Roman Catholic Church and the Evangelical Protestant Churches; however, it’s becoming a global ecumenism that is uniting all religions under a common banner.
If you read the entire Riverside Press-Enterprise feature article, “Body and Soul” cited above, you would have noticed that the “fasting” they were talking about had nothing to do with Biblical fasting. It was fasting among Muslims, Mormons, Hindus, and Jews… and the one “Christian” in the bunch, Dr. Kurt Fredrickson, spoke of the “tradition” of fasting. Now, to be fair to Dr. Fredrickson, he may have spoken of Biblical fasting; nevertheless, speaking to writer of a secular newspaper probably left little chance that there was going to be room for a Biblical passage.
But wait! There’s more. Those of religious faiths are not the only ones that can practice fasting. It turns out that anyone can do it. The Christian Post reports that Hollywood celebrities at the Sundance Film Festival have lauded the worldwide movement, Global Fast 2007. February 21st, Ash Wednesday, has been selected as that one day of prayer and fasting “to change the world.”[xiii]
The same people that are putting the Prayer Rooms and Boiler Rooms to wide use are promoting labyrinths.[xii] Here is a link to their resources page.
Ambience. Here is one that I’ve personally seen in an Emergent Evangelical Covenant Church. I didn’t know what Emergent was at the time, and I was new to the ECC denomination; but this church used ambience, adjusting the mood in order to elicit an effect, presumably atmosphere of worship. The service was dark! I mean, literally just lit enough to barely make out who people were! There were some other things; however, the darkness really got to Lisa and I. “Wow, what was that all about?” I thought. How could the people of the Lord be sitting in darkness? It is written,
“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvellous light” (1 Peter 2:9).
“This then is the message which we have heard of Him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5).
ANY COMBINATION
The practice of every one of these methods, or any combination of these methods, for the purpose of entering the “presence” of God implies that the blood of Jesus Christ is insufficient to enter the throne of grace.
BEWARE
With all of the mystical, contemplative prayer that is going on these days, much of it is ushered in through the Emergent Church Movement, Charismatic Latter Rain Movements, and unbridled Ecumenical Movements. We need to beware of these things and be aware that they may come in very subtly.
Some may shrug, “Well, what’s the big deal? Perhaps the folks using these things will come around in time.”
There is a much greater danger to the widespread intrusion of these practices within the Lord’s church. That danger is global ecumenism.
ECUMENISM
Since John Paul II, ecumenism, the tying together of the Roman Catholic Church and the Evangelical Church, has been on the increase. For a better idea of what ecumenism is all about, check out “The Ecumenical Church of Deceit” by Pastor Ken Silva.
With the rise of contemplative spirituality, it’s very interesting that very recently, Pope Benedict XVI says that he sees lectio divina as central to ecumenism. And why not? If the Evangelical church is embracing all things Roman Catholic, it will only be a matter of time until everyone practicing these methods are all under one Roman roof, living together as one happy Vatican family. Check out my article on the Pope’s ecumenical tool, lectio divina.
It’s not just a simple joining of the Roman Catholic Church and the Evangelical Protestant Churches; however, it’s becoming a global ecumenism that is uniting all religions under a common banner.
If you read the entire Riverside Press-Enterprise feature article, “Body and Soul” cited above, you would have noticed that the “fasting” they were talking about had nothing to do with Biblical fasting. It was fasting among Muslims, Mormons, Hindus, and Jews… and the one “Christian” in the bunch, Dr. Kurt Fredrickson, spoke of the “tradition” of fasting. Now, to be fair to Dr. Fredrickson, he may have spoken of Biblical fasting; nevertheless, speaking to writer of a secular newspaper probably left little chance that there was going to be room for a Biblical passage.
But wait! There’s more. Those of religious faiths are not the only ones that can practice fasting. It turns out that anyone can do it. The Christian Post reports that Hollywood celebrities at the Sundance Film Festival have lauded the worldwide movement, Global Fast 2007. February 21st, Ash Wednesday, has been selected as that one day of prayer and fasting “to change the world.”[xiii]
“Fasting to change the world; this is beautiful!” said actor Christian Slater to the group and who took home a custom “Hungry for Healing” shirt.
Hey, if Christian Slater says that Global fasting is a beautiful thing then it’s gotta be good. After all he is a Christian… at least by name.
GLOBAL ECUMENISM
“So what’s the big deal with that?” someone might quip. “Couldn’t fasting just be the vehicle for these unsaved Hollywood actors to receive the gospel?”
It could. With God all things are possible. But if we can be honest about the downslide of morality these days, the scandal and ungodliness within the church, etc., do we really think that that is going to happen?
Notice what day they are fasting upon. Ash Wednesday, a traditional day of fasting for the Catholic Church.
Now, I understand that there are those who look at the book of Revelation and see the woman sitting upon the beast in Revelation 17, the great harlot and mystery Babylon as the Roman Catholic Church. A recent Christian Research Network post has a quote from Hank Hanegraaf accusing Tim LaHaye, author of the Left Behind series of books as calling the Roman Catholic Church the harlot of Revelation. Hank says that it’s Israel. Check out his quote below or the entire CRN post here:
GLOBAL ECUMENISM
“So what’s the big deal with that?” someone might quip. “Couldn’t fasting just be the vehicle for these unsaved Hollywood actors to receive the gospel?”
It could. With God all things are possible. But if we can be honest about the downslide of morality these days, the scandal and ungodliness within the church, etc., do we really think that that is going to happen?
Notice what day they are fasting upon. Ash Wednesday, a traditional day of fasting for the Catholic Church.
Now, I understand that there are those who look at the book of Revelation and see the woman sitting upon the beast in Revelation 17, the great harlot and mystery Babylon as the Roman Catholic Church. A recent Christian Research Network post has a quote from Hank Hanegraaf accusing Tim LaHaye, author of the Left Behind series of books as calling the Roman Catholic Church the harlot of Revelation. Hank says that it’s Israel. Check out his quote below or the entire CRN post here:
Who is that great prostitute? If you talk to Tim LaHaye it is the Roman Catholic Church. It is a serious thing…If Revelation was written early, it could have easily been the nation of Israel.
Well, the harlot is neither one. The harlot of Revelation 17 is a one-world religion. It is a global, ecumenical, religious harlot made up of Jews, Muslims, Buddhist, Hindus, Atheists, Evolutionists, Roman Catholics, and any religion you can name… and yes, even those calling themselves Evangelical “Christians.” The headquarters may start out in Rome because it is the city upon seven hills (Revelation 17:9), and this woman will have a lot of Roman characteristics; however, this great harlot will have many characteristics of all the other religions as well, because it is a one-world religion… just like it was at its beginning in Genesis 11.
Prayer posturing is more than the doctrinal errors that individuals and leaders in local churches are embracing in their worship services. The enemy is taking a defiant POSTURE upon the very gifts God has given us to get our hearts and minds aligned with His will, His way, and His Word. Fasting and prayer are already being used to usher in the apostasy of the last days.
“Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition” (2 Thessalonians 2:3).
[i] This should not be confused with Genesis 4:26 that says, “…then began men to call upon the name of the LORD.” In Hebrew it reads, Az Chuchal Liqro BaShem YHVH, or literally, “…then they blasphemed calling in the name of the LORD.” This verse speaks of the blatant blasphemy that had already encroached the planet by the third generation.
[ii] The New International Webster’s Concise Dictrionary of the English Language, Trident Press International, © 1997
[iii] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prayer_in_Christianity#Physical_posture
[iv] For the sake of brevity, I won’t get into the whole 1 Corinthians 14:15, praying with the spirit and praying with understanding study.
[v] There is certainly more to fasting than that; however, for the sake of the topic I’m providing the simplest definition that I can.
[vi] http://www.pe.com/lifestyles/stories/PE_Fea_Daily_D_fast27.2514b19.html#
[vii] http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=454247&netp_id=421949&event=ESRCN&item_code=AK
[viii] http://www.24-7prayer.com/
[ix] http://www.boiler-rooms.com/cm/
[x] http://www.apprising.org/archives/2006/10/southern_baptis.html
[xi] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labyrinth
[xii] http://www.boiler-rooms.com/cm/resources/95
[xiii] http://www.christianpost.com/article/20070201/25538_Christian_Slater%3A_Global_Fasting_is_Beautiful.htm
Prayer posturing is more than the doctrinal errors that individuals and leaders in local churches are embracing in their worship services. The enemy is taking a defiant POSTURE upon the very gifts God has given us to get our hearts and minds aligned with His will, His way, and His Word. Fasting and prayer are already being used to usher in the apostasy of the last days.
“Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition” (2 Thessalonians 2:3).
[i] This should not be confused with Genesis 4:26 that says, “…then began men to call upon the name of the LORD.” In Hebrew it reads, Az Chuchal Liqro BaShem YHVH, or literally, “…then they blasphemed calling in the name of the LORD.” This verse speaks of the blatant blasphemy that had already encroached the planet by the third generation.
[ii] The New International Webster’s Concise Dictrionary of the English Language, Trident Press International, © 1997
[iii] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prayer_in_Christianity#Physical_posture
[iv] For the sake of brevity, I won’t get into the whole 1 Corinthians 14:15, praying with the spirit and praying with understanding study.
[v] There is certainly more to fasting than that; however, for the sake of the topic I’m providing the simplest definition that I can.
[vi] http://www.pe.com/lifestyles/stories/PE_Fea_Daily_D_fast27.2514b19.html#
[vii] http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=454247&netp_id=421949&event=ESRCN&item_code=AK
[viii] http://www.24-7prayer.com/
[ix] http://www.boiler-rooms.com/cm/
[x] http://www.apprising.org/archives/2006/10/southern_baptis.html
[xi] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labyrinth
[xii] http://www.boiler-rooms.com/cm/resources/95
[xiii] http://www.christianpost.com/article/20070201/25538_Christian_Slater%3A_Global_Fasting_is_Beautiful.htm
