In a little group we had a lot of discussion lately of various “energies” and bodies thrown effortlessly around, etc. and this recalled for me a practice time ago somewhat widespread in the charismatic movement: the so called prayer for the rest in the Spirit, or shortly rest in the Holy Spirit.



This happens so that the person who prays, places the hand in front of the front of the one who receives it and this falls backwards to the ground (usually there are strong helpers there to catch the falling body). This state is a strong experience of abandonment to the Holy Spirit and during this prayer many receive various healings, even very deep ones, gifts of peace, reconciliation, liberation from depression and so on.



For the observer here something very similar happens as in a video of Qigong masters with Bill Moyers

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nu99GRUUN6Y&mode=related&search=

with the difference that this prayer is in Christian context and explicitly invokes the Holy Spirit, the Third Person of the Trinity, while in aikido and similar we speak of a mysterious “energy” that is not well defined. For this reason, I think even if there is outward similarity, in case of the qi/chi we don’t know with what or whom we deal and so I feel rather cautious than enthusiastic. Who knows which kind of “spiritual energies or forces” do we let influence us in these “oriental” (or fake oriental) practices!



Personally for a period I liked very much the resting in the Spirit who is for excellence the Force/Energy (dynamis in Greek) although while so “resting”, my mind went rattling along as usual, and personally did not experince other healing that the joy of being able to let myself go, and trust when began to feel that gentle push. It is interesting, because one can stop any time and not fall, yet the push comes from outside: it is a gift yet I need to consent to it to receive.



Personally I liked more to be the one who prays because as I raised my hand to pray and soon the others (sometimes much bigger persons than myself) just fall back gently and effortlessly I experienced the living power of God present more than when myself fell (although once I even tried it alone - thanks God I did not hurt myself falling).



Of course also this form of healing prayer was seen sometimes by some with suspicion and there might have been misuses (as I heard of someone who went to sleep each night resting in the Spirit) - but this is true almost for everything that is outside of the very “traditional” religious setting. In this context the most detailed study I have seen is of Card. Suenens, who from 1974 to 1986 composed the series of six “Malines Documents” as a guide to the charismatic renewal. The sixth “Malines Document” treats the issue of the Resting in the Spirit (sometimes also referred to as “slaying in the Spirit”) and is available also online:

http://www.parishmissions.com/six.html



Personally I think that such prayer can be a valid and good practice, that might have place also in the work of spiritual guides, chaplains and similar. Do any of you have an experience or thoughts about it