Should I kneel when I pray?
Question:
Dear Ellen,
Should I kneel when I pray?
Signed, Troubled
Answer:
Dear Troubled,
I’m glad you asked. Others have asked me the same question, and I have advised the following:
I have received letters questioning me in regard to the proper attitude to be taken by a person offering prayer to the Sovereign of the universe. Where have our brethren obtained the idea that they should stand upon their feet when praying to God? One who has been educated for about five years in Battle Creek was asked to lead in prayer before Sister White should speak to the people. But as I beheld him standing upright upon his feet while his lips were about to open in prayer to God, my soul was stirred within me to give him an open rebuke. Calling him by name, I said, "Get down upon your knees." This is the proper position always. (Selected Messages, Vol. 2, p. 311)
We must pray constantly, with a humble mind and a meek and lowly spirit. We need not wait for an opportunity to kneel before God. We can pray and talk with the Lord wherever we may be. (Selected Messages, Vol. 3, p. 266)
It is not always necessary to bow upon your knees in order to pray. Cultivate the habit of talking with the Saviour when you are alone, when you are walking, and when you are busy with your daily labor. (The Ministry of Healing, pp. 510, 511)
As you can see, the proper position is to always get down on your knees. We need not wait for an opportunity to kneel, and it is not always necessary to bow upon your knees when you pray.
I appreciate this opportunity to share with you the light that I have received, and look forward to your questions.
Ellen White
September 3rd, 2006 at 10:53 pm
It’s this kind of contradiction that gives me a headache when reading EG White. When seen from a “zoomed out” perspective, much of her work is as nonsensical as William Miller’s “proofs” for the return of Christ in 1843/1844…
“Progressive truth” indeed…
September 4th, 2006 at 6:53 am
Puhleeeeez!!! This woman was ridiculous. I don’t believe it was all her fault, though. She was put on a pedestal by her contemporaries. What a circus!
Thank you for sharing this pointed example of why she should not be trusted for spiritual guidance.
September 4th, 2006 at 12:25 pm
Dear Ms. White,
What a treat your responses have been for me this morning. Your humor is delightful. Your wit unmatched. I am sure everyone who reads your tongue and cheek advice sees your humor and wit, also. Dear Abby should worry about her job!
I can’t wait to see what else you have up your sleeve! Thanks for setting up this blog for my amusement!
Oh! No! What does God say I should do about things that make me laugh?
Denise Hutton
Missoula, MT
September 4th, 2006 at 6:08 pm
This is good and I have had a good laugh.
What would she say to a young person who wanted to hold her boyfriend’s hand??
To a senior citizen who would like to be married again??
Diana
September 5th, 2006 at 10:48 pm
Dear Ellen, I’m not convinced humor was your goal, but whatever! I’m laughing! Did you really take yourself seriously? I guess so—judging from your profit.
Tell me again about that handsome young man who guided your dreams…oh, and what was the problem with baking soda?
Colleen
September 6th, 2006 at 7:25 am
You need to ask Ellen if masturbation is wrong. You will find the answers rather “interesting.”
September 16th, 2006 at 7:47 am
As a FORMER 4th generation SDA…I can honestly say “Thank you, Jesus”, for setting me free from this mind
control cult….Looking back, EGW was indeed a “circus act”…..through the generations the white estate has sold somthing like 45 to 50 million copies of her “copies”……What a pathetic religion…..JESUS alone, SCRIPTURE alone, GRACE alone!!!!
November 3rd, 2006 at 11:46 am
Dear Ellen,
Do you have any guidance as to the “other half” of the 4th commandment, that part urging “six days shalt thou labor and do all thy work…”? Although potentially unpopular today, wouldn’t a strict adherence to this precept prove truly “distinctive”?