It’s been almost ten years since the Lord saved me from Mormonism. In that time I’ve learned so much about God, salvation and the gospel of Jesus Christ. I still have a lot to learn, but I’m trusting in Him to teach me as I continue to walk with Him.
So when I hear of believers who have walked with Him so much longer than I have embracing things that are clearly pagan, unbiblical, or just plain silly it breaks my heart.
Have you heard of “chalk circles”? The idea is based on a book titled The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson. On his website he quotes Gypsy Smith a British evangelist, who when asked how someone could start a revival in their lives said this:
“Go home. Lock yourself in your room. Kneel down in the middle of the floor, and with a piece of chalk draw a circle around yourself. There, on your knees, pray fervently and brokenly that God would start a revival within that chalk circle. “
Now I haven’t read the book, but the ideas in it have seemed to found their way in some churches and in women’s ministries.
The basic idea behind it is to draw a circle, then stand, or kneel in the middle of it and pray. To me this screams paganism, and I can’t understand why prominent female bible study teachers can’t see the same thing, but instead they’re very accepting of it.
During the True Women’s Conference in 2012 there were several chalk circles outlined throughout auditorium to be used by the women in attendance, and as a visual example of what would be discussed during the conference. There was also a chalk circle on the stage where the speakers stood in to deliver their message.
Below is a link for the conference along with comments from the speakers and those who attended.
I first learned about this practice from the Sola Sisters blog. If you’d like to read their information on this practice here’s a link to their site.
When I hear about things like this going on in the body of Christ I can’t help but ask “where is the discernment?”
Why isn’t kneeling, standing or sitting where you are and offering up a prayer to God enough?
Why is there a need to add to things?
What is it about the circle itself that makes someone believe God will be better equipped to answer they’re prayers if they’re offered up inside of it?
I’m not one to be over the top, or try to see things that aren’t there, but if you look at symbols involving the occult, the circle is almost always present. Those who practice Wicca create a “magic circle” as part of their rituals.
In the religion of Hinduism chalk circles are used as well as part of their worship.
So I ask again, why do we need to borrow from false religions to make us feel our worship is complete?
God has made it very clear how he feels about diving into occult practices.
Deuteronomy 18:10 There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch.
Instead of looking to outside sources to make your prayer life more fulfilling why not just pray where you are and talk to the Lord? Maybe there’s a sin in your life that you haven’t deal with that makes you feel something is missing, or you just haven’t been taking the time to pray as you should?
As 1 John 5:14 tells us:
And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:
In Christ,
Melissa Grimes (melissa@lifeafter.org)
I’ve never seen/heard this being used in Christian churches; however, every person needs to keep watch constantly on all churches and on the non-denominational churches more. Many are not overseen by another body and independently insert things into them. So a constant check on all churches with the Bible to make sure they are adhering to the Word, is needed. All these type ‘additions’ need research like you’ve done to eliminate them.
Unfortunately, the LDS doesn’t allow its members these opportunities. There, people have to do what is decided for them. This is sad.
I’ve never seen, or heard of this being used, or encouraged at any Christian church either. I agree that we must use discernment when we hear of things like this making their way into things like our Women’s Conferences. It frustrates me that people just accept stuff like this and not stop and think. As a Mormon I just accepted what was said to me and didn’t take the time to check things out for myself first. – Melissa Grimes
Melissa,
I’m as appalled as you are. How can anyone who claims to love our Lord and His word to us fall for anything like this? Don’t they pay any attention to God’s word? This is along the same lines as “prayer shawls”, “prayer rugs”, “Christian yoga”, and anything like those, which are used in some mainstream churches. Where are the leaders of the church? Can’t they step up and show how this is wrong? Isn’t there any leader who knows how to rightly lead? Are they afraid to oppose such practices?
One doesn’t have to be a theologian to understand God’s disgust with these sorts of practices. God makes His disapproval of these things so clear a child can understand. The use of circles is something I had never heard of — but I’ve heard of people using labyrinths.
Thank you for reporting on this and for sticking to God’s word.
Blessings,
Margaret
You’re welcome Margaret. I’ve never understood the whole “prayer_____” either. One of the things I like to do as a ministry, if you will is crochet shawls for friends who are going through a difficult time. I don’t like to refer to them as prayer shawls, and to do so would make me feel uneasy. I just want them to be something that says “I care about you, I’m thinking about you and I’m praying for you”.
I guess I don’t get the concept of a “prayer shawl” is it something they’re supposed to wear while they’re praying? Just like a “prayer rug”, are they only suppose to pray on that rug? Isn’t that something Muslims do? Oh boy, here I go again asking all sorts of questions. 🙂
I’ll so thankful for the ability to discern, that’s something I never had as a Mormon. – Melissa Grimes