| Author | Message | ||
| Raven Registered user Username: Raven Post Number: 753 Registered: 7-2004  |
The discussion came up on CARM about why it is common among SDA's to believe it might be better to pray silently so that Satan can't hear one's prayer and interfere in some way. Did Ellen White say something to that effect? I can't think of anything where she directly said that, but only that vision where professed Christians who rejected William Miller's "saving message" had their prayers answered by Satan. Does anyone here know where the idea came from that a person is better off not praying out loud? Jeremy? | ||
| River Registered user Username: River Post Number: 750 Registered: 9-2006  |
Raven, I don't of course know why it is common among Adventist but I have heard it discussed among the Evangelical community as well so it is not just an Adventist thing. I just wanted to bring that out and throw it in the pot, but since I obviously am going to be no help to you at all accept to think maybe going around whispering might be giving him a little undeserved one upmanship I will await my education along with you.  River | ||
| Freeatlast Registered user Username: Freeatlast Post Number: 528 Registered: 5-2002 |
I do recall my mother warning me not to express worries, temptations, or weaknesses out loud because Satan and his demons then use that information to mess with me. I don't think this one is from Ellen White, I just think it is a product of my mother's gullibility and fascination with demonic activity. | ||
| Jeremy Registered user Username: Jeremy Post Number: 1785 Registered: 10-2004  |
I wasn't sure about it, but my sister knew it came from EGW. Here is one quote from EGW on the subject:
EGW sure tried to turn Satan into a god. Jeremy (Message edited by Jeremy on May 12, 2007) | ||
| Susan_2 Registered user Username: Susan_2 Post Number: 2409 Registered: 11-2002 |
Jeremy, have you compiled a booklet of weird and wacky EGW quotes that we can print off so we can have them handy? Jeremy, Have you compiled a handy booklet of EGW quotes so we can copy them off and have them redilly available? You know so many of them! | ||
| Cathy2 Registered user Username: Cathy2 Post Number: 271 Registered: 2-2006 |
My SDA parents taught me the same thing, Raven, using the EGW quote Jeremy gave. I was frequently paranoid that Satan (And the dark, as some others of you were too!) would overhear anything I said--and use it against me--not just in prayer to God, but my daily mutterings of a child. I was constantly afraid of Satan, until my 30's, when I learned better of Christ, out of Adventistm. Satan gets too much power in Traditional Adventism. Christ, the only true power. Satan and demons only have illusions, lies. BTW, I see several new members. Welcome! Cathy | ||
| Ardyj Registered user Username: Ardyj Post Number: 31 Registered: 8-2006  |
Thanks, Jeremy for finding that quote. I was taught that as a very young child; and constantly worried that what I said would be used against me by the temptations of satan. Cathy, you're absolutely right when you say satan gets too much power in traditional Adventism. Existing under the shadow of adventist teachings placed one in fear of doing or saying the "wrong thing" and then maybe you would not remember what it was so I could ask for forgiveness. Or again, maybe I would be tempted to sin because of what I had said. Wow! Just boggles my mind. The Power of God is so awesome, and He is my strength and my Redeemer. Coming to know a minute bit of the Omnipotence of God is the greatest thing that has ever happened to me. I trust Him and Praise Him for lifting the veil for me and many loved ones. I pray others will find the joy also! Ardyj | ||
| Raven Registered user Username: Raven Post Number: 754 Registered: 7-2004 |
Yes, Jeremy - thanks! I find it interesting, River, that SDA's are not the only ones to think that way. | ||
| Rejoyce719 Registered user Username: Rejoyce719 Post Number: 33 Registered: 1-2007 |
I have been acutely concerned about what Satan is doing, about being tricked, etc. It is so wonderful to focus on Christ now. I can remember the tremendous focus on Satan and evil angels when I was an adventist. | ||
| Melissa Registered user Username: Melissa Post Number: 1571 Registered: 7-2003 |
Yes, like River, I've heard that scripture doesn't teach Satan can read our thoughts. So, if we pray our fears and worst things in our head, Satan won't know where our weakensses are. A lady leading a Bible study used an example one time that she'd seen a lady in a resturant have an epileptic seisure and she commented she would hate to have that...a period of time later, she began having seisures. I don't know if it's coincidence or not... But I don't think Satan can read thoughts or our Spirits like God can...like when it says the holy spirit intercedes for us. Maybe it is something Ellen borrowed.... | ||
| Helovesme2 Registered user Username: Helovesme2 Post Number: 919 Registered: 8-2004  |
I too have heard that Satan can't read our thoughts, but I'll bet, since he's had millenniums of practice, he's pretty good at reading expression, posture, etc. . . either way though we need not fear him for 'greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world'. Not only are we God's subjects, we're His children, and our Father is is the Creator and King of the Universe. What an awesome God we serve! Blessings, Mary |
