JC writes: “What do you know about the International House of Prayer, aka IHOP, that is based in the Kansas City Area? This came up in a Catholic book group discussion last night, and I expressed my uneasiness about this organization based on the very little reading I have done. I haven’t found anything definitive from the Church regarding this group, and was looking for any information that might be out there that is more objective than what I have come across.”
Category Archives: Prayer/Meditation
Is Centering Prayer Catholic?
A new book by Catholic author Connie Rossini dispels some of the most common arguments used to defend centering prayer by comparing it to the teachings of the great mystical doctor of the Church, St. Teresa of Avila.
What’s Wrong With Praying in Color?
DB asks: “I recently had a person ask me a question that I need a bit of help with. I do believe its New Age. She states that a woman she knows told her when she prays she sees colors. The woman who brought this to me said it sent up a red flag to her that this woman may have participated in New Age.”
Is Praying With Folded Hands a Hindu Practice?
We recently had a question from someone who had heard that praying with the hands folded was closely linked with the common Hindu greeting known as the “Namaste” bow. Is this a rumor or a fact?
Discerning Manifestations
A Concerned Student asks: “Do you believe fire tunnels, laying on of hands to impart an anointing that some minster carries, and drunk in the spirit are new age concepts? Is so please site scripture and verse to defame any or all.”
EquiSync & the Dangers of Brainwave Entrainment
We have had an inquiry about a meditation CD called EquiSync which is supposed to enable a novice to “meditate like a Zen monk without the years of practice.” Is it safe? Is it okay for Catholics to use?
Study: Mindfulness Meditation Techniques Have a Down Side
Researchers say that as many as 60 percent of people who employ eastern style meditation techniques such as Mindfulness Meditation suffer at least one negative side-effect, including panic, depression and confusion.
The Trouble with Soaking Prayer
Carol and John Arnott
SL writes: “I have been in debate lately with a fellow christian friend of mine regarding “soaking”. I have read mostly positive things, and some negative things. My friend who has participated in “soaking” before has asked me to join her again – but I declined. There’s something about it, that just doesn’t sit well in my spirit.”
Are The Seven Great Prayers a Gimmick?
DG writes: “I saw a book called the Seven Great Prayers and I cannot find anything verifying if it is Christian or not. They have the prayers available in audio as well so that you can listen to them anywhere. The authors are Paul and Tracy McManus. One tip-off is that one of the prayers says something about “attracting” blessings or something like that. This leads me to believe it is another New Age gimmick masquerading as Christian just to trap unsuspecting individuals. Can you shed some light on this?”
Guided Meditation Books for Children
JA asks: “Is Jane Reehorst’s Guided Meditations for Children, and Sydney Ann Merritt’s books by the same title, recommending forms of New Age meditation?”
