Recently, Lighthouse Trails received this letter from one of our readers:
Dear Lighthouse Trails: We recently saw an article in World magazine with an article pertaining to some children’s books that they were either okaying or promoting because they were paid to do so, which we thought might be worthy of your commenting on. It is the book titled Deep Breath, Little Whisper. Don’t know if you are aware, but thought you might be interested. David M.
Regarding the book Deep Breath, Little Whisper that is being promoted on World Magazine’s website, a March 2026 World Mag article titled “Books About Identify and Relationship” is written by World Mag children’s page editor and editorial assistant Kristin Chapman. From our perspective, there is every right and need to be concerned about this book and World’s recommendation of it. The description of the book on World’s site states:
This book encourages children to employ the ancient practice of breath prayers as part of daily heeding the exhortation in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 to pray continually. . . . [The book] depicts different scenarios in which children can breathe out their prayers in times of need.
Given the current condition of the Christian church where contemplative spirituality (and its mystically bent practices such as breath prayers) has, for the most part, worked its way into every facet of the church, it’s no great surprise that World Mag has no problem promoting a child’s book on breath prayers. Disappointing, yes; surprising, no.
We are living in a time when public schools and pre-schools are teaching children Yoga and meditation. Given the New Age and occultic and spiritually dangerous nature of these practices, that is nothing less than child abuse. Contemplative practices (which are a disguised, Christianized set of such practices) are just as harmful to children.
For those who may be unfamiliar with the term “breath prayers,” Larry DeBruyn wrote an article explaining this practice: “Breath Prayers – Are They a Method by Which We Can Become Best Friends With God?.” And, as our offer always stands, if you are unsure what contemplative spirituality is, Lighthouse Trails will send you a free copy of the book, A Time of Departing, if you write to us at editors@lighthousetrails.com.
For the sake of the children, please research this issue and warn about it.
Note: At one time, World Magazine made the claim to be “the most widely read Christian news magazine.”1
Related Articles:
YWAM—Wants Every YWAMer to Practice Contemplative Prayer!
When a Young Girl in a Christian College Meets a Mystic and Is Introduced to Lectio Divina
Beware: Mindfulness Meditation, Especially for Children, is Dangerous
Mystical New Age Thrills Enticing Children and 4 Ways to Help Them
Endnote:
- “World Magazine Expands Its Coverage” (https://rpwitness.org/article/world-magazine-expands-its-coverage). A Warren Cole Smith is mentioned in this article. It is not Lighthouse Trails author Warren B. Smith.
